U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Approves Construction of Nation’s First Small Modular Reactor

https://www.ncsl.org/newsletter/details/news-reactor-october-2026

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the first time has approved a construction permit for a small modular reactor (SMR). SMR construction has been approved on the Clinch River site in Oak Ridge, Tenn. under the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The TVA has met all regulatory requirements and may now proceed with the construction of a 300-megawatt boiling-water reactor that will be used to meet rising energy demand in the region. However, the TVA will need to secure a separate operating license from the NRC before the reactor can receive fuel and produce energy.