NuScale Power becomes the first SMR developer to receive NRC design certification, positioning it ahead of competitors in the emerging nuclear energy sector.
NuScale Power (NYSE: SMR) has achieved a regulatory milestone by securing design certification from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its 50-megawatt and 77-megawatt small modular reactor (SMR) modules. This approval marks the company as the first in the SMR space to clear such a hurdle, potentially accelerating its market entry amid growing demand for carbon-free baseload power.
The certification follows years of regulatory review, a process known for its complexity and duration. Competitors remain in pre-licensing phases, giving NuScale a first-mover advantage. However, the company has yet to deploy its technology commercially, with its flagship project in Utah facing significant delays and cost overruns from an initial $3 billion estimate.
Interest in SMRs has surged as hyperscalers and industrial players seek reliable, low-carbon energy solutions to power AI infrastructure and reduce grid strain. NuScale’s certification could attract further investment, though operational execution remains unproven.