A running archive of small modular reactor news — project milestones, regulatory decisions, funding rounds and deals — curated by the SMR Brief Pro research team. Showing 200 recent stories.
South Korea, the United States and Japan signed a memorandum of cooperation to deploy small modular reactors in the Indo-Pacific, covering joint licensing, risk-sharing and regional SMR training programmes.
Deployable Energy's Unity demonstration reactor achieved zero-power criticality at Idaho National Laboratory, making it the third US advanced reactor to do so alongside Antares Nuclear's Mark-0 and Valar Atomics' Ward 250.
A consortium led by Polish billionaire Michał Sołowow plans to invest approximately £35 billion to build fourteen GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 reactors across three UK sites, potentially powering eight million homes.
Radiant Nuclear, developer of the helium-cooled Kaleidos containerised reactor, is establishing a factory near Oak Ridge, Tennessee to manufacture approximately 50 microreactors per year including units destined for the U.S. Space Force.
SGE applied under the UK Advanced Nuclear Framework to build a privately financed fleet of fourteen GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 reactors totalling 4.2 GW across three UK sites, targeting first operations around 2034.
Valar Atomics raised USD 450 million at a USD 2 billion valuation and agreed to develop a 30 MW nuclear-powered data center in Utah with Nvidia, marking a major strategic expansion into AI and data-centre infrastructure with its Ward250 microreactor.
The Williams Treaties First Nations agreed a CAD 700 million investment backed by federal and provincial loan guarantees to secure a meaningful ownership stake in Ontario Power Generation's BWRX-300 Darlington New Nuclear Project.
Hitachi Energy and Swedish reactor developer Blykalla signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on deploying lead-cooled advanced modular reactors and integrated grid solutions for energy-intensive industries and data centers.
The NRC's new 10 CFR Part 53 licensing framework—effective April 29, 2026—provides a risk-informed, performance-based pathway expected to cut advanced reactor approval time to about 18 months and significantly reduce regulatory costs.
The City of Wloclawek and OSGE signed a cooperation agreement for construction of up to six BWRX-300 SMRs covering public communication, education, and establishment of a local information centre.
Rolls-Royce SMR announced a £12 million Pioneer Works facility in Derby to develop manufacturing, assembly and testing processes for its SMR fleet in the UK, Czech Republic and Sweden, creating around 40 highly skilled jobs.
Cold hydraulic testing has begun at Unit 1 of Turkey's Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, a key commissioning milestone following the loading of dummy fuel assemblies in June 2026.
Canada's Department of Finance announced a loan guarantee of approximately CAD 715 million under the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program, enabling seven Williams Treaties First Nations to acquire a significant minority interest in the Darlington New Nuclear Project.
The U.S. Department of Energy conditionally committed USD 17.5 billion in American Nuclear Supply Chain Loans to finance long-lead components for up to ten Westinghouse AP1000 reactors across five projects, aiming to accelerate large nuclear deployment by up to three years.
Holtec International and EDF jointly submitted a proposal to the UK government to deploy up to four SMR-300 reactors at the former Cottam coal power station and agreed heads of terms to form a development joint venture.
Terrestrial Energy signed ground lease and research agreements with Texas A&M University System for IMSR development at the RELLIS campus following selection for the DOE Advanced Reactor Pilot Program.
The LDP Special Committee on Nuclear Regulation submitted recommendations on enhancing nuclear safety regulation and emergency preparedness. Report calls for streamlining regulations using a graded approach based on risk, extending inspection intervals, and using AI in regulatory activities. For advanced reactors including SMRs, HTGRs and fast reactors, committee urged improved predictability of safety reviews and timely regulatory principles presentation.
Lancaster University launched LUNOS, a 2 million pound nuclear facility control room simulator funded by UK Office for Students. First in UK with reconfigurable architecture capable of mimicking multiple reactor types including PWRs, SMRs, and tokamak fusion reactors. Uses industry-grade source code from Westinghouse, GSE Solutions, Tokamak Energy.
NRC approved Framatome TXS Compact Safety I&C platform with conclusive Safety Evaluation Report. Uses space-saving 3U small-form-factor FPGA technology. Confirms system meets strict US safety-related system requirements for commercial nuclear plants. Supports both plant upgrades and new reactor designs including SMRs.
Poland's Orlen Synthos Green Energy submitted two applications to National Atomic Energy Agency for pre-licensing opinions related to BWRX-300 fuel and software technology solutions. Part of Poland's nuclear energy diversification strategy.
Neumar association formally created on June 3, 2026 bringing together industrial, institutional and financial organisations to support advanced nuclear applications for maritime transport and coastal areas in Europe. Addresses growing interest in nuclear propulsion for shipping.
Rolls-Royce signed two trilateral MOUs with UKNNL and JAEA to co-develop HTGR advanced modular reactors and TRISO coated particle fuel. Signed at 10 Downing Street during Japanese PM visit. First activation of UK Advanced Nuclear Framework. JAEA brings HTGR experience from High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor operating since 1998.
Natural Resources Canada released a national Nuclear Energy Strategy that targets expanded reactor builds, doubled uranium exports, microreactor deployment by the 2030s and modern financing tools to make Canada a nuclear energy superpower.
The selection of Yeongdeok-gun for two new APR1400 reactors (2.8 GW total) is creating a nuclear belt along the Gyeongbuk East Coast. Plants will help meet surging electricity demand from AI data centers and semiconductor clusters. Local economic ripple effects estimated at 3.9 trillion KRW.
Valar Atomics' Ward 250 HTGR achieved zero-power fueled criticality becoming the second reactor to meet the DOE Reactor Pilot Program July 4 deadline. First DOE-authorized reactor built and operated outside national laboratory system. 100 kWt test reactor at Utah San Rafael Energy Lab.
Elementl Power announced plans for up to 1.5 GW BWRX-300 plant in southeast Ohio with early works agreement with GE Vernova Hitachi. Also reports Oklo signed LOI with Centrus for HALEU supply from Pike County, Ohio for 1.2-GW Aurora facility. Two major Ohio nuclear announcements.
Valar Atomics achieved zero-power fueled criticality with its 100-kWt Ward 250 test reactor at Utah San Rafael Energy Lab. First in DOE Reactor Pilot Program to reach criticality outside a national laboratory. Reached 10 kWt output on June 22. Second company after Antares Nuclear to achieve criticality under Trump executive order.
DOE announced advanced negotiations with Standard Nuclear, Exodys Energy, and SHINE Technologies to turn surplus plutonium into nuclear fuel for advanced reactors under the Surplus Plutonium Utilization Program. Converts a multi-billion-dollar waste liability into a national energy asset.
Oklo signed LOI with Centrus for HALEU supply to power up to five Aurora powerhouses at future 1.2-GW campus in southern Ohio. Could include prepayments to support fuel supply buildout. One of first large-scale commercial HALEU supply agreements.
IAEA releases interactive tool showing global spent nuclear fuel inventories. Global total about 448,000 tonnes of heavy metal. 322,000 tonnes in storage, 126,000 tonnes reprocessed. Based on 2025 Joint Convention reporting cycle.
TerraPower began Step 1 of UK Generic Design Assessment for its Natrium reactor and established TerraPower UK Ltd as first international subsidiary. 345 MWe sodium-cooled fast reactor with molten salt energy storage boosting to 500 MWe. Confirmed by UK ONR, Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales.
IAEA launches interactive Global SNF Inventory Tool showing 448,000 tonnes heavy metal total. Nearly three-quarters in storage, one-quarter reprocessed. Based on 2025 Joint Convention reporting cycle. Provides transparent global view of spent fuel inventories for policy makers and researchers.
South Korea's KHNP has chosen Yeongdeok County for two new 1,400-MW APR1400 reactors and Gijang County for the country's first SMR. The reactors are scheduled for completion in 2037-2038 (APR1400) and 2035 (i-SMR). This marks the first time since 2011 that South Korea has designated new sites for nuclear power plants.
Zeno Power establishing nuclear battery manufacturing at Vallecitos Nuclear Center in Sunol CA. Using strontium-90 and americium-241. Three product lines including radioisotope sterling generator and thermoelectric generator. Supports NASA space missions and undersea applications.
Rolls-Royce has been selected by Videberg Kraft to deliver three 470 MW PWR reactors to Sweden's west coast near the existing Ringhals plant. The project backed by Vattenfall will add about 1,500 MW of baseload capacity, representing around 6% of Sweden's annual power consumption. The project will be financed through a combination of public-private ownership, direct state aid, and government-backed market guarantees.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright approved American civil nuclear exports to Thailand under Part 810. Thailand has a current 123 Agreement with the U.S. and plans to introduce two SMR plants in the northeast and south of the country according to a 2025 draft energy policy.
Terrestrial Energy signed ground lease and R&D agreements for 77 acres at Texas A&M-RELLIS campus for commercial IMSR Plant. 390 MWe / 884 MWth molten salt reactor. Site characterization underway. First-of-a-kind commercial molten salt reactor in the US.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission proposed sweeping changes to fuel-cycle and materials licensing regulations, including a streamlined licensing pathway for reprocessing facilities and updated requirements for advanced reactor fuels. The changes aim to accelerate deployment of next-generation nuclear technologies while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
US enrichment company Centrus will supply Oklo with HALEU for up to five Aurora powerhouses starting in 2029, marking one of the first large-scale commercial HALEU supply agreements. The fuel will support Oklo's planned 1.2 GW power campus in Pike County, Ohio. A definitive contract with potential prepayments is being negotiated.
Concrete pouring has begun for the reactor shaft at what will be the eighth unit (Leningrad II-4) at the Leningrad nuclear power plant in Russia. The reinforced concrete structure will ultimately stand 34 metres tall. Over the next three months the first five tiers will be completed. The core catcher housing will be delivered in early July 2026. Reactor installation is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2029. The unit will replace one of the existing RBMK-1000 units and will be a VVER-1200 reactor.
Oklo and Standard Nuclear signed MOU forming strategic alliance to strengthen US advanced nuclear fuel supply chain. Links Oklo's planned fuel recycling in Oak Ridge with Standard Nuclear's TRISO manufacturing plans.
Steady Energy received EUR 10.5m loan from Business Finland for construction of a pilot small modular reactor in Salmisaari, Helsinki. Plant will be built in turbine hall of existing coal power plant. Shipping container sized reactor that can be built underground in cities.
IAEA Director General Grossi announced work began to repair the main 750 kV Dniprovska power line to ZNPP under an IAEA-brokered localized ceasefire. IAEA teams monitor repairs from both sides of the Dnipro River after demining. The line, disconnected since late March, is the plant's main off-site power source. This follows the plant's 19th complete loss of off-site power.
Finnish small nuclear developer Steady Energy received a €10.5 million loan from Business Finland for a pilot plant in Salmisaari, Helsinki. The reactor, the size of a shipping container, can be built underground in cities. The facility is being constructed in the turbine hall of Salmisaari B coal-fired power plant.
Valar Atomics achieved first criticality at Ward 250, a Generation IV HTGR microreactor at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab. This is the second advanced reactor to go critical under DOE's Reactor Pilot Program and the first built outside a national lab. The microreactor, slightly larger than a minivan, generates up to 5 MWe. Non-commercial power ascension has begun.
Rosatom has begun pouring concrete for the reactor shaft at the eighth unit (Leningrad II-4) of the Leningrad nuclear power plant. The 34-metre structure will house the VVER-1200 reactor and safety equipment. The project replaces aging RBMK-1000 units and will provide power to St. Petersburg and northwest Russia. Reactor installation planned for H2 2029.
Rolls-Royce, UKNNL and JAEA signed two trilateral memorandums of cooperation on HTGR technology and coated particle fuel. Separately, TerraPower formally submitted its Natrium reactor design for UK generic design assessment and formed TerraPower UK Ltd, its first international subsidiary.
Valar Atomics achieved first criticality at Ward 250 HTGR at Utah San Rafael Energy Lab. Second advanced reactor to go critical under DOE Reactor Pilot Program. Confirmed at 16:30 MDT on June 18, 2026. First DOE-authorized reactor built outside national lab system.
South Korea and the UAE have agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation in crude oil supply, nuclear power, and plant fields according to a Policy Briefing reported by KAIF. The cooperation builds on existing nuclear energy partnerships between the two countries, including the Barakah nuclear power plant project.
320-tonne Reactor Pressure Vessel installed at unit 5 of Kudankulam NPP in India following AERB clearance. Signals start of NSSS equipment installation for the VVER-1000 unit. Site will have six units with total 6,000 MWe upon completion.
Tarapur 1 and 2, India's first commercial nuclear power plant commissioned in 1969, are both back online after extensive refurbishment. AERB approved 10-year extensions for both BWR units following complete replacement of coolant piping and safety upgrades.
ASNR approved the restart of three EDF nuclear reactors after maintenance and refueling outages. Saint-Laurent-des-Eaux Unit 1 restarted June 18 (outage since May 2), Tricastin Unit 1 restarted June 1 (outage since Feb 28), and Nogent-sur-Seine Unit 2 reached nominal power June 4 after grid connection May 31 (outage since April 4). ASNR reviewed all maintenance work and conducted inspections before authorizing restarts.
270-tonne containment dome installed at unit 5 of CGN's Ningde NPP in Fujian province, China. Installation took 2 hours 45 minutes. Ningde currently has four 1,018 MWe CPR1000 units in commercial operation.
Nordic Baseload Power submitted fourth application for Swedish state aid to build two full-scale boiling water reactors generating 2,500 MWe at Barseback near Malmo. Targets permits by 2029 and first reactor operational before 2035.
Lancaster University launched LUNOS, a GBP 2 million nuclear control room simulator capable of simulating PWRs, SMRs, and tokamak fusion reactors. First of its kind in UK due to reconfigurable architecture.
Centrus Energy signed LOI to supply HALEU to Oklo for up to five Aurora powerhouses at planned 1.2 GW campus in southern Ohio. Deliveries to begin in 2029. One of first large-scale commercial HALEU supply agreements. Supports Oklo's deployment plans at former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant site.
Pacific Fusion CTO Keith LeChien provided an exclusive Q&A on the company's pulser-driven inertial fusion technology. The company has raised over $900 million in Series A funding and is building a Demonstration System in Albuquerque, New Mexico designed to achieve net facility gain by 2030.
UK Government finalized GBP 210 million financing package through UKEF for Urenco to deliver enriched uranium to Ukraine's Energoatom, ensuring continued operation of nuclear plants for two years.
Three Swedish companies (Blykalla, Studsvik, Nordic Baseload Power) submitted state aid applications for new nuclear builds within two weeks. Parliament approved uranium permitting legislation and lifted coastal nuclear bans. Videberg Kraft selected Rolls-Royce SMR for Ringhals project.
South Korea and the UAE are strengthening strategic cooperation across crude oil supply, nuclear power (full-cycle), and plant sectors. Cooperation covers the entire nuclear lifecycle and builds on Korea's role in the UAE Barakah nuclear plant using APR1400 technology. Potential extension to SMR collaboration.
Oklo and Centrus Energy signed a Letter of Intent for Centrus to supply enough domestic HALEU to power up to five Aurora powerhouses for multiple years, with deliveries beginning in 2029. The agreement strengthens fuel certainty for Oklo's planned 1.2 GW Clean Energy Campus in southern Ohio.
Zeno Power announced restoration of hot cell infrastructure at Vallecitos Nuclear Center to produce radioisotope power systems. Initial production of strontium-90-fueled nuclear batteries for undersea applications, with plans to scale for space domains in 2028.
The New Nuclear Power Plant Site Selection Evaluation Committee announced on June 17 that Gijang-gun, Busan has been selected as the candidate site for Korea's first innovative SMR (i-SMR), while Yeongdeok-gun, Gyeongbuk was selected for two new large APR1400 reactors. i-SMR targets 2035 operation. Gijang scored 87.11 points.
KHNP selected Yeongdeok for two large-scale APR1400 reactors and Gijang in Busan for a 170 MW innovative SMR. Part of 11th Basic Plan targeting 2.8 GWe large reactor and 700 MW SMR capacity by 2038. First new nuclear site selection in South Korea since 2011.
Valar Atomics' Ward 250 reactor successfully completed a zero-power fueled criticality demonstration at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab in Emery County, Utah on June 18, 2026. This marks the first DOE authorized reactor built outside of a national laboratory. The reactor was built in approximately 9 months from an empty site. It is the second of multiple advanced reactors anticipated to go critical by the July 4th deadline set by President Trump's May 2025 executive order. The Reactor Pilot Program has catalyzed rapid innovation in American advanced reactor designs.
New York State issued 91-page advanced nuclear policy options paper evaluating mechanisms to deploy 5 GW of new nuclear. Public cost estimated at $15.4-23.9 billion over 25 years. Nuclear Reliability Backbone initiative formally launched by PSC.
NextGen Nuclear Summit highlighted barriers to UK advanced nuclear deployment including planning, regulation, supply chain and skills gaps. Fingleton Report recommendations and Energy Independence Bill discussed. Industry calls for action on regulatory efficiency and policy reform.
NPCIL organized a public awareness lecture at an NCC Camp in Jabalpur on June 18, 2026, as part of its ongoing public outreach and education program about nuclear energy.
Helion Energy received Radioactive Materials and Radioactive Air Emissions licences from Washington Department of Health, becoming the first company worldwide with approvals to build and operate a fusion power plant. The licences confirm facilities, trained personnel, and safety programmes meet required standards at the Orion facility in Malaga, Washington.
US fusion energy company Shine has joined the MARIE consortium for nuclear fuel recycling and agreed to collaborate with France-based Newcleo. The companies will assess how Shine could supply Newcleo with materials from used nuclear fuel to manufacture MOX fuel. The MARIE consortium is led by EPRI and funded under the US DOE ARPA-E CURIE programme.
Deep Fission, developer of borehole-deployed small modular pressurized water reactors, priced and closed a USD 40 million initial public offering on Nasdaq, becoming the first publicly listed advanced nuclear developer focused on underground reactor deployment.
NRC staff will hold an informal public outreach session on June 27 in Richland, Washington, to discuss Columbia Generating Station's 2025 performance. The plant operated safely and returned to normal oversight by the end of 2025.
Centrus to supply HALEU from American Centrifuge Plant in Pike County Ohio to power up to five Oklo Aurora powerhouses. Deliveries to begin 2029. Includes MOU with Kiewit for EPC. Expected to bring multi-billion-dollar private investment to southern Ohio.
25th anniversary of Joint Convention on Safety of Spent Fuel Management. 93 Contracting Parties. Convention established culture of transparency, peer learning and shared responsibility. Has helped shape national frameworks and international cooperation in radioactive waste management.
Twenty drums containing six tonnes of heavy water have been transferred to the Ezeiza Atomic Centre for use in Argentina's new RA-10 multipurpose reactor. The heavy water, with isotopic purity of 99.86%, will be placed in the neutron reflector system. The RA-10 is a 30 MWt open pool reactor currently undergoing pre-commissioning testing. It will replace the RA-3 reactor and guarantee self-sufficiency in radioisotopes for medical use, potentially covering up to 20% of global demand.
NRC staff will hold a public outreach session to discuss River Bend Nuclear Power Plant's annual performance assessment for 2025.
The IAEA marked the 25th anniversary of the Joint Convention on Safety of Spent Fuel Management and Radioactive Waste Management. The legally binding global instrument entered into force in 2001, establishing a culture of transparency, peer learning and shared responsibility. Director General Grossi highlighted stronger national frameworks, deeper cooperation, and shared commitment.
Oklo signed MOU with Standard Nuclear for fuel recycling collaboration. Establishes first third-party offtake pathway for recycled nuclear materials including surplus US plutonium. Both selected by DOE for Surplus Plutonium Utilization Program negotiations.
Uranium spot price rose to 86.10 dollars per pound on June 18 2026, up 13.44 percent compared to same time last year. The long-term uranium price indicator reached 95.00 dollars per pound at end of May 2026, up 20 dollars year-over-year. Citi forecasts U3O8 spot prices will trade above 100 dollars per pound over the next three months.
Videberg Kraft selected Rolls-Royce SMR for three reactors at Ringhals site on Varo Peninsula. Selected from 70+ options over 4+ year process. Sweden's first new nuclear plant in 40+ years. Vattenfall (80%) and Industrikraft i Sverige AB (20%) ownership. Components manufactured off-site, assembled on-site.
320-tonne Reactor Pressure Vessel for Kudankulam Unit 5 installed on 15 June 2026. Manufactured at Atommash in Volgodonsk, Russia. Cleared by AERB on 2 May 2026. Unit 5 expected operational by end of 2026. Kudankulam will be Indias largest nuclear station at 6000 MW when all 6 units are operational.
Thea Energy working with Nvidia and Synopsys to develop digital twin of Helios stellarator fusion power plant concept. Team includes Argonne National Laboratory and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. Will analyze vast datasets and stress-test system operation.
NRC preparing environmental impact statement for Holtec's application to site two SMR-300 reactors (Pioneer-1 and -2, each 340 MWe) at Palisades site in Michigan. 30-day public scoping period opened until July 15.
TerraPower's Natrium 345 MWe sodium-cooled fast reactor officially began the UK's Generic Design Assessment process. The Bill Gates-chaired company also established TerraPower UK Ltd, its first international subsidiary. The molten-salt energy storage system enables temporary output boost to 500 MWe. Enhanced UK-US regulatory cooperation enabled by Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy.
Swedish Parliament approved amendments streamlining uranium extraction permitting and opening more coastal sites to nuclear projects. Uranium mines are no longer regulated as nuclear facilities, removing municipal consent requirements. Amendments enter into force 15 July 2026. Sweden holds 80% of EU uranium deposits.
Paragon Energy Solutions, a Mirion Technologies company, has been awarded a contract by NuScale Power to complete final design development of the Highly Integrated Protection System (HIPS) for the NuScale Power Module. The contract covers three critical instrumentation and control systems: Module Protection System (MPS), Safety Display and Indication System (SDIS), and Plant Protection System (PPS). This marks a significant milestone as NuScale already has certain components of 12 power modules in production.
Studsvik AB submitted application for Swedish state support to develop up to 1,400 MWe of new SMR capacity based on its ReFirm programme using proven light-water reactor technology. First unit could be commissioned in late 2030s.
The 320-tonne reactor pressure vessel for unit 5 at India's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant has been installed using the open top method. Manufactured at Rosatom's Atommash plant in Volgodonsk, Russia, the vessel was delivered in 2025. The installation marks a new phase in the VVER-1000 construction project. Kudankulam units 1 and 2 are already operating, with units 3 and 4 under construction. Unit 5 is part of the planned six-unit complex, representing continued cooperation between India and Russia in nuclear energy.
Rolls-Royce SMR has won a multi-billion pound contract to build three SMRs for Sweden's Videberg Kraft. The reactors will be located at Värö Peninsula on Sweden's west coast. UK government praised it as a major multibillion-pound export win. The partnership with Vattenfall and Kärnfull Next is seen as one of the most advanced SMR deployment opportunities outside the UK.
ASNR opened a public consultation from June 16 to July 15, 2026 regarding prescriptions applicable to the Magenta nuclear storage facility (INB 169) at Cadarache following conclusions of its first periodic review. The facility is operated by CEA (Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives) for receipt and shipment of nuclear materials.
TerraPower announced commencement of UK Generic Design Assessment and launch of TerraPower UK Ltd subsidiary. Bill Gates-founded company aims to deploy fleet of Natrium reactors in UK. First international regulatory filing for Natrium technology.
TerraPower announced major milestones in its UK deployment program: formal commencement of the UK Generic Design Assessment (GDA) Step 1 for its Natrium reactor and launch of TerraPower UK Ltd with Dr. Ian Hudson as Head of TerraPower UK. The Natrium is a 345 MW sodium-cooled fast reactor.
DOE approved Oklo's Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis for Aurora Powerhouse at INL. This is third of four major steps required under DOE's Reactor Pilot Program. Validates comprehensive technical safety evaluation.
An analysis of DOE's Surplus Plutonium Utilization Program identifies three potential deal-breakers: 1) DOE is outsourcing plutonium disposition risk to private firms while requiring them to pay cost recovery fees, 2) stringent security requirements for transportation and handling that firms may lack expertise to comply with, and 3) firms must grant DOE perpetual license to use any novel intellectual property developed.
Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority announced the 9th round of additional monitoring for ALPS treated water discharged from Fukushima Daiichi NPP. IAEA officials and experts from analysis organizations in China, South Korea, and Switzerland will collect environmental samples off Fukushima on June 24-25, 2026. The monitoring program started in October 2024 as part of Japan-IAEA agreement to ensure transparency of the discharge process.
The NRC issued a final rule establishing fixed caps on many licensing and service fees, reducing costs for prospective applicants, and updating annual fees for FY 2026. The rule makes the licensing process more predictable and accessible for innovators. The professional hourly rate increases to $337 with a Reduced Hourly Rate of $154. This supports Executive Order 14300 and takes effect 60 days after Federal Register publication.
NRC preparing environmental impact statement for Holtec application to site two SMR-300 reactors (Pioneer-1 and Pioneer-2, each 340 MWe) at Palisades site in Covert, Michigan. 30-day public scoping period opened until July 15. Part 2 construction permit expected mid-2027. Twin reactors would join 777-MWe Palisades PWR planned for restart.
The NRC is inviting public participation in the environmental review of Nebraska Public Power District's application to operate Cooper Nuclear Station for another 20 years beyond its current license. The subsequent license renewal application seeks to extend Cooper's operating license from 60 to 80 years. Public comments are being accepted through July 16, 2026.
The NRC accepted for review an application from Eden Radioisotopes LLC to construct a medical isotope production facility in Lea County, New Mexico. The facility would include a 1.8-megawatt thermal reactor to produce radioisotopes for medical imaging and cancer treatment. The review includes extensive safety analyses and site characteristics. A 30-day public comment period will follow Federal Register publication.
MOU to explore collaboration on nuclear fuel recycling and advanced fuel manufacturing. Includes recycled material offtake from Oklo Oak Ridge facility and surplus plutonium collaboration under DOE program. Standard Nuclear filed for IPO.
FERC approved waiver allowing Constellation Energy to fast-track restart of TMI Unit 1 (Crane Clean Energy Center) to supply 835 MWe to Microsoft data centers by late 2027. Decision removes major transmission constraints.
The 320-tonne VVER-1000 reactor pressure vessel for Kudankulam unit 5 was installed using the open top method. Manufactured at Rosatom's Atommash plant in Volgodonsk, Russia, the vessel enables installation of the nuclear steam supply system. Units 5 and 6 construction began in 2021 under the India-Russia intergovernmental agreement. Kudankulam 1 and 2 have generated over 127 billion kWh.
The NRC began licensing review for a new medical isotope facility in New Mexico that will produce actinium-225 for targeted alpha therapy cancer treatments.
The Korea Hydrogen Alliance has established a cooperation channel with Slovakia for producing hydrogen using nuclear power. Partnership focuses on nuclear electrolysis hydrogen production technology. Could leverage SMR technologies for dedicated hydrogen production in the future.
China's nuclear power capacity increased from 31.4 GW in 2016 to 58.7 GW in May 2026, an 87% increase in 10 years per US EIA analysis. Based on data from World Bank, Global Energy Monitor, IAEA, and others. China continues aggressive nuclear expansion with multiple reactors under construction including SMR development.
NRC granted 20-year subsequent licence renewal for Edwin I Hatch Nuclear Plant in Georgia under 12-month streamlined process. Unit 1 extended to August 2054 and Unit 2 to June 2058. Second unit to achieve accelerated SLR.
The NRC began the environmental review process for the Cooper Nuclear Station subsequent license renewal application in Nemaha County, Nebraska, operated by Nebraska Public Power District. The 769 MWe pressurized water reactor seeks to extend its operating license.
Lloyd's Register, Port of Rotterdam, Core Power, and Maersk published 24-page white paper on enabling nuclear-powered feeder ships. Finds existing port safety frameworks can serve as viable foundation. Principal barriers: regulatory alignment, governance, liability, public acceptance - not technical. Findings apply to any EU port.
China's nuclear power capacity increased from 31.4 GW in 2016 to 58.7 GW in May 2026 (87% increase). As of May, China has 60 operational reactors and 36 under construction adding 38.9 GW. New construction accounts for 49% of global nuclear construction.
Oklo and Standard Nuclear entered an MOU to explore collaboration on nuclear fuel recycling and advanced fuel manufacturing. This represents Oklo's first third-party offtake pathway for recycled materials. The collaboration includes surplus plutonium utilization under DOE's Surplus Plutonium Utilization Program.
General Atomics developing design concepts with DOE for Fusion Blanket Component Test Facility (BCTF) to test full-scale breeding blankets. Public-private partnership initiated by DOE seed investment to INL. Collaboration includes Kyoto Fusioneering and UC San Diego.
NPCIL achieved a major construction milestone at Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project Unit-5 with the successful placement of the approximately 320-ton Reactor Pressure Vessel inside the reactor building. This follows AERB regulatory approval for major equipment installation. KKNPP Units 1 and 2 are operational, having generated approximately 130 billion units of electricity cumulatively by May 2026, avoiding approximately 112 million tons of CO2 emissions. The KKNPP site has six units of 1000 MW each.
The second unit of Chaotan One, the world's first 2x15 MW supercritical CO2 waste-heat power generation project, was connected to the grid on May 30 in Liupanshui, Guizhou province. Jointly developed by CNNC's Nuclear Power Institute of China and partners, the two-unit plant has 30 MW installed capacity. The first unit began commercial operations on December 20, 2025. The project validates China's supercritical CO2 waste heat power generation technology.
270-tonne containment dome lifted at Ningde 5 HPR1000 reactor in Fujian, China. Unit transitions from civil construction to equipment installation.
On June 15, 2026, Russia and Laos signed a framework intergovernmental agreement on nuclear cooperation in Moscow. Signed by Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev and Lao Minister Malaithong Kommasith, the agreement enables a preliminary feasibility study for nuclear power integration into Laos's energy grid. This follows similar Russian nuclear agreements with Myanmar (March 2025) and Vietnam (March 2026, Ninh Thuan 1 with VVER-1200 reactors).
Canadian province and Czech Republic signed MOU on clean energy including SMRs and MMRs. Saskatchewan has world's largest uranium mines. Czech Republic planning Rolls-Royce SMR deployment. Covers knowledge sharing, joint projects, and talent development.
Molten salt reactor developer Natura Resources entered formal agreement with Quadrant Nuclear Industries for HALEU fuel supply. QNI plans INL facility producing 18 metric tons HALEU annually.
Rolls-Royce welcomed the announcement that Rolls-Royce SMR has been selected by Videberg Kraft for three SMRs in Sweden. Videberg Kraft is owned by Vattenfall AB and Industrikraft i Sverige AB. The project will build Sweden's first new nuclear plant in 40+ years. CEO Tufan Erginbilgic said Rolls-Royce SMR is the only company with multiple contractual commitments to deliver SMR units in Europe.
Russia and Laos signed a framework intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in peaceful uses of atomic energy. Enables consideration of a Russian-designed nuclear power plant project in Laos including preliminary feasibility study. Rosatom possesses reference technologies for floating and land-based SMRs.
The NRC is inviting public participation in the environmental review of Palisades SMR, LLC's application for the Pioneer small modular reactor project in Michigan. The project could provide about 600 megawatts of electricity from two potential SMR-300 units. The company submitted Part 1 of a phased construction permit application on December 31, 2025. Public comments are due by July 15, 2026.
Videberg Kraft announced the selection of Rolls-Royce SMR as partner to deliver three SMRs on Sweden's west coast at Värö. The 1,500 MWe project builds on contracts in UK and Czech Republic. The decision follows a rigorous selection process that began in 2022. First unit expected mid-2030s.
ASNR opened a public consultation from June 15 to June 29, 2026 on the renewal of approval for the TN81 transport package model. The TN81 package is used for road, rail, or maritime transport and storage of vitrified or compacted waste containers as a type B(U) fissile material package.
Videberg Kraft has selected Rolls-Royce SMR as supplier for its project on the Värö Peninsula near Ringhals, Sweden, planning to site three SMRs. The selection followed a three-year process assessing 75 options, with the final choice between Rolls-Royce SMR and GE Vernova Hitachi's BWRX-300. The Videberg Project will be Sweden's first nuclear power plant in more than four decades. Videberg Kraft is owned by Vattenfall and Industrikraft, with the Swedish state due to become majority owner.
JAEA, UK National Nuclear Laboratory and Rolls-Royce signed trilateral memorandums on High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors and coated particle fuel.
The Canadian province of Saskatchewan and Czech Republic signed an MOU for clean energy cooperation including SMRs and MMRs. Saskatchewan has the world's largest uranium mines. The Czech Republic gets one-third of its electricity from nuclear. The agreement covers knowledge sharing, joint projects, and talent development.
On June 15, 2026, the reactor pressure vessel was installed at Kudankulam NPP Unit 5 in Tamil Nadu, India. The 300-ton equipment was manufactured at Atommash in Volgodonsk, Russia. The Open Top installation method was used. The project is a Russian-Indian cooperation under a 1988 intergovernmental agreement. Main reactor plant equipment including steam generators and circulation pumps will follow.
The Videberg Kraft Board of Directors selected Rolls-Royce SMR as supplier for three reactors on the Värö Peninsula near Ringhals. Each reactor will output 470 MW, producing ~12 TWh of fossil-free electricity annually. The project uses modularised manufacturing and PWR technology. Owned by Vattenfall AB and Industrikraft i Sverige AB.
Unit 3 of the Xudapu Nuclear Power Plant in Liaoning province completed Hot Functional Test (HFT) on June 2, 2026. The China-Russia nuclear cooperation project is designed for six pressurized water reactor units with over 7,600 MW total capacity and 140 billion yuan investment. Upon full completion, it will deliver nearly 54 billion kWh of clean electricity annually and reduce CO2 emissions by 56.7 million tons per year.
China has developed a new high-uniformity irradiation breeding linear electron accelerator for agricultural applications. Independently designed by CIAE under CNNC, the equipment achieves X-ray non-uniformity rate below 4% and dose error within 1%. It enables customized irradiation mutagenesis for rice, wheat, corn, fruits and vegetables. The equipment features a fully automatic intelligent conveying system with seed positioning error within 0.5mm.
Overview of SMR-powered data center developments. Amazon-Talen 1.92 GW PPA from Susquehanna nuclear plant through 2042. Microsoft-Constellation 837 MW Three Mile Island restart for 20 years. Meta-Oklo 1.2 GW power campus development. SMR market valued at 6.9 billion dollars in 2025, projected 13.8 billion dollars by 2032. Challenges include limited HALEU fuel supply and thin nuclear engineering talent pool.
Studsvik is seeking Swedish government support to deploy SMRs at its former nuclear research facility site.
NRC Chairman Ho Nieh discussed SMRs, licensing, recruitment, and retention at Politico Energy Summit.
Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority published three safety research result reports on its website as part of June 2026 publications. The reports contribute to the scientific basis for nuclear safety regulation in Japan.
Denison Mines began site preparation at Phoenix ISR uranium mine in Saskatchewan. First Canadian ISR uranium mine, first large-scale Canadian uranium project approved in 20+ years. Target production: mid-2028.
Kairos Power's Hermes 2 demonstration plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Feature on construction approach and site history.
Core Power, Maersk, Lloyd's Register and Port of Rotterdam published joint report on nuclear ship port call feasibility. Principal barriers are regulatory alignment and public acceptance, not technical.
ASNR published notices for three INES Level 1 safety incidents: Chooz B Unit 2 (late detection of unavailability of RCV discharge line equipment, valve incorrectly set since April 9), Nogent-sur-Seine Unit 2 (late detection of ASG turbopump unavailability since May 7), and Chinon B (containment defect in shared auxiliary building affecting reactors 1 and 2). All incidents involved non-compliance with operating rules but had no consequences for installations, personnel, or environment.
Energy Fuels expects to produce approximately 1.6 million pounds of finished U3O8 by June 30 2026, falling within its full-year guidance range of 1.5 to 2.5 million pounds in just six months. Mining and processing costs at Pinyon Plain are 23 to 30 dollars per pound and mill processing costs are 9 to 12 dollars per pound of U3O8.
Tech hyperscalers Amazon, Google, and Meta are investing in SMR startups. IDTechEx forecasts global SMR market to reach 53.8 billion dollars in 2036 and nearly 300 billion dollars by 2046. Google partnered with MSR startup Kairos Power, Amazon with HTGR developer X-Energy, Meta with LMFR startups Oklo and TerraPower.
NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams broke ground on ATOLL at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 21,000 sq ft facility to be completed mid-2028 for workforce expertise in monitoring foreign weapons-grade uranium production.
NRC announced mandatory hearings will be held about 30 days after application is docketed, rather than toward end of review. Applies to construction permits, early site permits, and combined licenses.
DOE approved Xcimer Energy's Athena fusion power plant preconceptual design. Company uses two beamlines, gas laser technology, and molten salt fusion chamber.
163 dummy fuel assemblies loaded in Turkey's Akkuyu 1 VVER-1200 reactor. Key commissioning milestone before real fuel loading. Unit expected to supply power in 2026.
Japan METI draft proposes replacing 2-5 reactors by 2040s and 11-14 reactors by 2050s to maintain 20% nuclear share. Cabinet approval expected in coming months.
U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy held June 9 hearing on six nuclear permitting reform proposals.
The loading of 163 dummy nuclear fuel assemblies in Turkeys Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plants first unit was completed as a key part of the commissioning process. The dummy fuel is an exact replica of nuclear fuel in design, weight and dimensions. This milestone brings Unit 1 closer to its target of supplying electricity to Turkeys grid during 2026.
UEC commenced production at Burke Hollow, Americas largest greenfield ISR project to enter production in over a decade. Q3 production was 32195 lbs at 54.61 dollars per pound total cost. The company holds 794 million dollars in liquid assets with 488 million dollars cash and no debt, with 1.456 million lbs of U3O8 inventory.
Constellation Energy has doubled down on its strategy to supply nuclear energy for AI data centers. CEO Joe Dominguez stated locating AI facilities near large, clean, reliable power plants makes all the sense in the world. Company urged FERC to provide clarity on behind-the-meter configuration rules. Constellation has the largest nuclear fleet in the US with 21 reactors across 12 facilities.
Tennessee became first U.S. state to implement regulatory framework for nuclear fusion machines. Type One Energy expected to be among first licensees.
American Bureau of Shipping granted Approval in Principle for integrating nuclear reactor into cargo vessel propulsion system. First AIP for MIT Maritime Consortium technology.
DOE released finalized Fusion Science and Technology Roadmap. Goal to scale private fusion sector by mid-2030s. Combines science, technology, infrastructure, workforce, and commercialization priorities.
enCore Energy announced completion of the first phase of construction on the Upper Spring Creek ISR Satellite IX Plant. The facility can currently process 1600 gallons per minute with expansion to 3200 gpm expected by end of July 2026. Operations planned for late 2026 once final permits are received.
The arrival of the set of four steam generators for the fourth unit at Turkeys Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant completes the delivery of key reactor hall equipment. The 340-tonne steam generators were delivered via a 3000-kilometre journey by sea from the Atommash plant in Volgodonsk.
Urenco USA announced a multi-billion-dollar investment to expand its National Enrichment Facility in Eunice, New Mexico by nearly 50 percent, adding 2.1 million SWU of new enrichment capacity. Initial cascades starting production in 2032. The facility currently has 4.3 million SWU capacity and will grow to more than 7 million SWU.
Korea Atomic Industrial Forum announced recruitment for the 2026 SMR Advanced Course (1st session), aimed at building expertise in small modular reactor technology. The course is part of KAIF's ongoing education programs to develop human resources for Korea's nuclear industry.
A formal national public debate overseen by France's National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP) was launched in 2026 to examine EDF's Nuward SMR project — a legally required step in France's nuclear decision process. The debate gathers input from citizens, local communities, environmental groups, and industry. A positive outcome would clear the path toward a Nuward construction authorisation application and the full commercial deployment of France's flagship domestic SMR design.
Washington D.C.-based Curio submitted a letter of intent to the NRC on May 29, 2026 to establish a preapplication engagement docket for NuCycle — the first commercial used nuclear fuel recycling facility application in the US. CEO Ed McGinnis: "A key and decisive moment for Curio and our nation." Curio was also selected alongside Oklo for DOE surplus plutonium advanced negotiations announced the same week. NuCycle technology is described as the world's most advanced used nuclear fuel recycling system.
India has potential to increase nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047 but will need foreign help. Current capacity approximately 8.8 GW from 25 reactors. Projects under construction to take capacity to approximately 22 GW by 2032. Remaining 78 GW requires accelerated deployment through partnerships, technology transfers, and potential foreign reactor vendor involvement.
Paris-based Newcleo plans to go public through a merger with blank-check company NewHold Investment Corp III in a deal valuing it at about 2.4 billion dollars. The merger would support Newcleos entry into the American power market and fund existing projects in Europe. Newcleo has raised more than 780 million dollars since its founding in 2021.
Rolls-Royce SMR announced the appointment of two strategic suppliers of key nuclear island components on May 27, 2026 — the first formal supply chain commitments following the £359 million GBE-N Technical Partner Contract Stage 1. The nuclear island encompasses safety-critical reactor systems. The appointments establish "the strongest possible team to enable successful delivery" of the Wylfa programme. Full supplier details are expected as mobilisation advances following GBE-N's focus on "establishing the delivery arrangements."
A reactor pressure vessel, four steam generators and a pressuriser were shipped from Volgodonsk in Russia to Egypts El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant. The 330-tonne reactor vessel for Unit 2 and pressuriser for Unit 1 pushed total cargo weight to about 2000 tonnes. El Dabaa will be Egypts first nuclear power plant, comprising four VVER-1200 units.
Rosatom delivered what it describes as the largest single shipment of equipment for a nuclear construction project to Egypt's El Dabaa site, serving all four VVER-1200 units with more than 30,000 workers on site.
The DOE published a comprehensive one-year progress report on President Trump's nuclear executive orders confirming milestones: NuScale 77 MWe NRC approval (May 2025), DOE $800M Tier 1 TVA/Holtec grants (December 2025), US-Japan $40B BWRX-300 deal (March 2026), DOE $94M eight-company supply chain grants (May 2026), four additional ARDP company selections (April 2026), and TerraPower Natrium historic construction milestones. The DOE reconfirmed the 400 GW by 2050 nuclear capacity target.
Orano's Project IKE enrichment facility in Oak Ridge has begun an expedited 12-month NRC review. The USD5 billion facility will have initial annual capacity of 4 million SWU with production beginning in the early 2030s.
The NRC formally accepted Orano's Project IKE licence application for an accelerated 12-month review on May 21, 2026 (target completion April 30, 2027). The $5 billion gas centrifuge uranium enrichment plant near Oak Ridge, Tennessee will produce approximately 7.4 million SWU per year — enough to replace all Russian-origin enriched uranium in US reactors. Supported by a $900 million DOE award. The 12-month accelerated timeline reflects NRC's reforms under EO 14300. Environmental report submitted January 2026; full application submitted March 2026.
Copenhagen Atomics CEO Thomas Jam Pedersen discusses the companys approach to proving molten salt reactor reliability through high-volume, low-cost experimentation. The company has more molten salt pumps in Copenhagen than all other teams worldwide combined. The in-house canned rotor pump design was patented and refined through successive generations of testing.
On 17 May 2026, an unmanned aerial vehicle struck an electrical generator located outside the internal security perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation confirmed no safety impact, no radioactive release, radiation levels normal, and no injuries. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi expressed grave concern.
Blykalla submitted an application to construct a six-reactor plant in Norrsundet with 330 MWe total capacity, the first application under Sweden's new Act on Government Approval of Nuclear Facilities.
Following the publication of the Technical Partner Contract award notice on May 8, 2026, GBE-N stated its focus is now on "mobilisation, working collaboratively with our partners to establish the delivery arrangements and advance the project in line with the Government's objectives." The mobilisation phase involves supply chain onboarding including Arup (foundation engineering) and other specialist contractors beginning active work at Wylfa, Anglesey. This is the clearest signal yet that the UK's SMR programme is transitioning from policy to physical delivery.
NuScale Power's AI-enabled reactor design research programme with Oak Ridge National Laboratory is exploring shared fuel-pool strategies and AI-optimised multi-reactor management for 12-module NuScale Power Module plant configurations. The programme positions NuScale at the intersection of nuclear energy and artificial intelligence — combining the two hottest investment themes of 2026. AI-driven design optimisation could reduce iteration time and cost while improving fuel efficiency.
Questions are growing in Belgium over the governments plan to acquire Engies nuclear activities. Five of seven reactors remain shut down, some already undergoing dismantling. Restarting inactive reactors could require 3 to 4 billion euros investment for post-Fukushima safety compliance. Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet admitted there is always a possibility there will be no agreement.
GBE-N published the award notice for Rolls-Royce SMR's Technical Partner Contract Stage 1 on May 8, 2026 with a forecast price of £359 million and Stage 2 estimated at £8.17 billion — covering full reactor design, manufacturing, and commissioning of three units at Wylfa. The contract requires a final investment decision within five years. Combined with the £599 million National Wealth Fund loan, the UK SMR programme is now backed by over £2.6 billion in government support. GBE-N stated focus is now on mobilisation and establishing delivery arrangements.
The publication of GBE-N's Technical Partner Contract award notice reveals for the first time the estimated total value of the Rolls-Royce SMR programme: £359 million for Stage 1 and £8.17 billion for Stage 2 — approximately £8.53 billion in total. This makes it the largest single nuclear technology contract in UK history. The contract purpose is to have the private sector supply the government with reactors for the UK's SMR Programme at Wylfa, with the supplier delivering an integrated design covering reactor, steam generation, turbine, electrical generation, and commissioning.
Framatome U.S. Government Solutions received $8.8 million from DOE to expand its Richland, Washington fuel fabrication facility by adding ceramic pellet production lines — increasing annual uranium fuel capacity by approximately 200 metric tonnes. This is Framatome's second major US fuel investment in 2026 alongside the NuScale fuel supply expansion agreement. The Richland facility is the planned manufacturing site for NuScale's NuFUEL-HTP2 fuel under their exclusive fuel manufacturing agreement.
BWXT Nuclear Energy Inc. received $21,423,305 from DOE to procure equipment at its Mount Vernon, Indiana facility for final assembly of reactor pressure vessels and manufacture of large nuclear reactor components for Gen III+ SMRs. BWXT manufactures all US Navy nuclear reactor components — the only US company with this domestic nuclear heavy manufacturing capability. The Indiana investment expands BWXT's commercial nuclear manufacturing to serve BWRX-300, SMR-300, and other Gen III+ programmes.
Nebraska Public Power District received the largest single award in the DOE $94M Tier 2 package — $27,864,860 to develop an NRC Early Site Permit for a future SMR deployment in Nebraska. NPPD operates the Cooper Nuclear Station (BWR) and serves approximately 86,000 direct customers and wholesale power to 600,000 Nebraskans. Nebraska's growing agricultural processing, data centre, and manufacturing electricity demand makes SMR deployment commercially attractive. The ESP will allow NPPD to evaluate the environmental, geological, and safety profile of a Nebraska site.
DOE awarded more than $94 million to eight companies on May 14, 2026 under the Gen III+ SMR Pathway to Deployment Tier 2 programme: NPPD $27.86M (Nebraska ESP), Constellation SMR Development $17.26M (New York ESP), BWXT Nuclear Energy $21.42M (Indiana pressure vessel equipment), Scot Forge $12.3M (Illinois machining), Framatome US Government Solutions $8.8M (Richland fuel), Global Nuclear Fuel Americas $3M (NC BWR fuel rod line), American Forgemasters $2.9M (PA furnace), Container Technologies Industries $547,900 (TN steel QA). This completes DOE's $900M March 2025 solicitation following $800M in Tier 1 awards to TVA and Holtec.
PJM Market Monitors Q1 2026 State of the Market report warns that data center load growth is the primary cause of tight supply-demand conditions. Capacity market was short of reliability objective in 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 auctions. Shortfall grew from 208.7 MW to 6516.6 MW. Recommends bring your own New Generation solution for data centers with expedited interconnection track.
South Korea's exploration of NuScale SMR investment as part of its $200 billion US commitment adds an industrial partner with nuclear manufacturing depth — Doosan Enerbility and Samsung C&T — that could strengthen NuScale's position in global tenders. The Uljin industrial complex deployment would be NuScale's first Asian reference plant. A government-backed partner country with established nuclear manufacturing capability matters for construction, component sourcing, and project execution as NuScale advances simultaneously in Romania, Tennessee, and Uljin.
Constellation SMR Development LLC received $17,264,292 from DOE to pursue an NRC Early Site Permit for a future light-water SMR site in New York State — the company's first formal SMR new-build site development outside its existing 21-plant nuclear fleet. An NRC Early Site Permit evaluates environmental, geological, and safety conditions before reactor design selection, removing a major licensing bottleneck. Constellation's ESP work will lay the groundwork for a future New York SMR deployment serving the state's high electricity demand.
The DOE explicitly described its May 14, 2026 $94 million grant round as Tier 2 Fast Follower Deployment Support — distinct from the $800 million Tier 1 awards — addressing gaps in licensing, supply chain, and site preparation that have slowed SMR deployment. US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright framed the awards as advancing President Trump's nuclear renaissance. A further Tier 2 round may be issued if additional funds become available, suggesting more supply chain grants could follow.
The US Department of Energy announced $94 million in federal cost-shared funding for eight companies on May 14, 2026 to address the key bottlenecks slowing SMR deployment: site permitting, manufacturing capacity, and fuel supply chain. The largest awards went to Nebraska Public Power District ($27.86M Early Site Permit) and BWXT ($21.42M Indiana reactor pressure vessel facility), with additional awards to Constellation SMR Development, Scot Forge, Framatome US, GNF-Americas, American Forgemasters, and Container Technologies Industries. The DOE described this as part of President Trump's nuclear renaissance agenda alongside the $800 million Tier 1 awards to TVA and Holtec in December 2025.
The Netherlands and Belgium signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen cooperation on nuclear energy at the BeNeNuc Summit. The MoU covers broader R and D cooperation, intensified knowledge exchange on nuclear power plant construction and SMR developments, and innovation missions between companies.
The DOE is considering a plan to finance long lead-time nuclear reactor components — items like reactor pressure vessels that take 5-10 years to manufacture — before a final investment decision is made, potentially compressing overall project timelines by years. Nuclear Energy Institute CEO Maria Korsnick confirmed the discussions. If implemented, the model could transform nuclear project economics by eliminating the lead-time bottleneck that currently forces developers to either commit billions before FID or accept years-long construction delays.
South Korea has discussed including NuScale Power's SMR programme in its $200 billion US investment commitment, with plans for an initial SMR plant in Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province. Korean heavyweights Doosan Enerbility and Samsung C&T are involved in the collaboration providing manufacturing depth and EPC capability. A government-backed partner country with deep nuclear manufacturing experience could strengthen NuScale's position in global SMR tenders and industrial data centre power deals — with significant advancements expected by end of 2026.
Tata Power is advancing plans for two 220 MWe SMR units in India as of May 12, 2026, discussing technical and regulatory details with NPCIL and scouting sites in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Odisha. India's new SHANTI Bill enables private sector nuclear entry with up to 49% FDI in joint ventures — the first time private companies can own nuclear power in India. Holtec International has also expressed market interest. India aims to tenfold nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047 with SMRs central to the plan.