Nuclear Licensing

UK Regulators Complete GDA Step 2 Fundamental Assessment for Holtec SMR-300 Reactor Design

UK regulators completed the Step 2 Fundamental Assessment for Holtec’s SMR-300 reactor design in March 2026, finding no fundamental environmental or safety shortfalls. This milestone reduces regulatory uncertainty for SMR deployment, signaling a clear path toward detailed design assessment and future site-specific permitting.

2 Apr 2026, 09:35gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Environment Agency and ONR Publish GDA Step 2 Fundamental Assessment for Holtec SMR-300 Reactor

UK regulators completed the Step 2 fundamental assessment of the Holtec SMR-300 reactor design in March 2026. This milestone reduces regulatory risk for prospective operators and signals progress toward the commercial deployment of small modular reactors in England and Wales.

2 Apr 2026, 09:35gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Japan METI Requests Additional Reporting From Chubu Electric on Hamaoka Nuclear Plant Seismic Evaluation

METI has intensified enforcement against Chubu Electric, demanding a comprehensive root-cause analysis of seismic safety evaluation failures at the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant. This signals heightened regulatory scrutiny of nuclear infrastructure resilience, likely delaying reactor restarts and increasing compliance oversight for the Japanese energy sector.

2 Apr 2026, 09:32meti.go.jpJapan

China MEE Consults On Intended EIA Approval For Taishan NPP Units 1–2 Spent Fuel Dry Storage Project

China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment issued a notice of intent to approve the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Taishan Nuclear Power Plant's spent fuel dry storage retrofit in March 2026. This development underscores the regulatory focus on long-term radioactive waste management and requires nuclear operators to maintain rigorous environmental safeguards to secure operational licenses.

2 Apr 2026, 08:50mee.gov.cnChina

US NRC Final Rule Amends Categorical Exclusions From Environmental Review (10 CFR Part 51)

The US NRC has expanded the list of categorical exclusions under NEPA, effective April 29, 2026, to streamline environmental reviews for nuclear licensing and administrative actions. This deregulatory shift reduces administrative burdens and transaction costs for operators by exempting routine activities—such as security upgrades and spent fuel storage changes—from lengthy environmental assessments.

1 Apr 2026, 14:19govinfo.govUnited States

China MEE Consults on Proposed EIA Approval for Plasma Experimental Device Upgrade in Hebei

China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment is consulting on the proposed environmental impact assessment (EIA) approval for a plasma experimental device upgrade in Hebei Province through April 2026. This project-specific notice signals the advancing licensing of experimental nuclear facilities and reinforces the stringent application of radiation protection and shielding standards for high-tech industrial construction.

1 Apr 2026, 14:15mee.gov.cnChina

Environment Agency Replaces Generic RSR Leadership Principles With Nuclear Sites Guidance

The Environment Agency has finalized the replacement of generic Radioactive Substances Regulation (RSR) leadership principles with updated, operator-focused guidance for nuclear sites. Nuclear site licensees must align their management systems with these international-standard-based expectations to maintain permit compliance and ensure public safety.

31 Mar 2026, 19:14gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Belgium / Netherlands: FANC Public Inquiry on Doel 3 Nuclear Reactor Decommissioning and Waste Management Units

Belgian and Dutch authorities have opened a public inquiry through April 30, 2026, regarding the decommissioning of the Doel 3 nuclear reactor and new waste management units. This marks a pivotal phase in regional nuclear transition, requiring stakeholders to navigate complex radiological safety approvals and long-term waste infrastructure planning.

31 Mar 2026, 18:58fanc.fgov.beNetherlandsBelgium

US NRC Issues Draft EIS and Seeks Comment on Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility

The US NRC has issued a draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility, with public comments accepted until May 11, 2026. This licensing milestone supports the expansion of domestic uranium enrichment capabilities, impacting long-term nuclear fuel supply chain strategy and regional industrial operations.

29 Mar 2026, 17:52federalregister.govUnited States

US NRC Finalises Risk-Informed, Technology-Inclusive Regulatory Framework for Advanced Reactors

The US NRC has finalized 10 CFR Part 53, establishing a risk-informed, technology-inclusive regulatory framework for advanced nuclear reactors, effective April 29, 2026. This optional licensing pathway allows developers to tailor safety and security requirements to specific reactor designs, potentially reducing regulatory hurdles for next-generation nuclear deployment.

29 Mar 2026, 06:37govinfo.govUnited States

Netherlands Updates VOBK Guidance and Adopts ANVS Policy Rule for Nuclear Installations

The Netherlands has formally adopted the ANVS Policy Rule VOBK and updated safety guidelines for nuclear installations to align with international IAEA and WENRA standards. Operators must adopt these benchmarks for new license applications and periodic safety reviews, anticipating a transition from policy guidance to binding legislative requirements.

28 Mar 2026, 20:26open.overheid.nlNetherlands

Netherlands ANVS Grants Final Nuclear Energy Act Permit to Zeeland Refinery N.V.

The Dutch ANVS has issued a definitive Nuclear Energy Act permit to Zeeland Refinery, modernizing the regulatory framework for radioactive sources and NORM handling. This update ensures operational compliance with current radiation protection standards, signaling a shift toward stricter enforcement and updated safety protocols for industrial facilities.

27 Mar 2026, 08:08zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlands

Peru Adopts Law 32560 on Nuclear Electricity Generation and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Peru has enacted Law No. 32560, establishing a national framework for nuclear power generation and the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Energy developers should monitor upcoming amendments to environmental impact assessment (SEIA) rules and radiological safety standards that will govern future licensing and site selection.

26 Mar 2026, 19:02busquedas.elperuano.pePeru

US NRC Exempts H.B. Robinson Unit 2 From 10 CFR 54.21(b) Update Requirement

The NRC granted a case-specific exemption from license renewal amendment filings for the H.B. Robinson nuclear plant, effective March 17, 2026. This reflects a broader regulatory push to expedite nuclear permitting under Executive Order 14300 by reducing administrative burdens for operators.

26 Mar 2026, 11:52govinfo.govUnited States

UK Government Calls for Evidence on Nuclear Third Party Liability for Advanced Nuclear Technologies

The UK government has launched a call for evidence to review third-party liability frameworks for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) through June 2026. This review signals a move toward risk-proportionate liability limits, potentially reducing insurance burdens and financial barriers for developers of next-generation nuclear and integrated industrial projects.

26 Mar 2026, 11:39gov.ukUnited Kingdom

UK Government Confirms Environment Agency GDA Timelines for Holtec and Rolls-Royce SMR Designs

The UK Government has finalized Generic Design Assessment (GDA) timelines for Holtec and Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactors, with completions targeted for 2026 and 2027. This regulatory clarity reduces pre-licensing uncertainty, enabling long-term investment and supply chain mobilization for the UK’s next-generation nuclear energy infrastructure.

25 Mar 2026, 21:30qna.files.parliament.ukUnited Kingdom

US NRC Issues Final Environmental Impact Statement for H.B. Robinson Unit 2 Subsequent License Renewal

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has finalized the environmental impact statement for the 20-year license renewal of the H.B. Robinson nuclear plant. This milestone clears a major regulatory hurdle for extended power generation, signaling continued federal support for the long-term operation of existing nuclear infrastructure.

24 Mar 2026, 08:52federalregister.govUnited States

US NRC Issues Final Environmental Impact Statement for Subsequent License Renewal of St. Lucie Nuclear Plant Units 1 and 2

The US NRC has finalized the environmental impact assessment for a 20-year license extension of the St. Lucie Nuclear Plant, concluding that environmental risks do not preclude continued operation. This milestone removes a significant regulatory barrier to long-term asset life extension, providing greater certainty for regional energy security and nuclear power infrastructure planning.

24 Mar 2026, 08:51federalregister.govUnited States

US NRC Grants Work-Hour Exemption for Palisades Nuclear Plant

The US NRC has granted a temporary work-hour exemption for the Palisades Nuclear Plant to facilitate restart activities through June 2026. This decision demonstrates regulatory flexibility for critical infrastructure projects while reinforcing strict fatigue management and fitness-for-duty oversight during high-intensity operational transitions.

19 Mar 2026, 09:55federalregister.govUnited States

Slovenia URSJV Consults On Draft Guidance For Radiation Protection Assessments In Industry And Research

Slovenia has proposed new practical guidelines for radiation protection assessments in industrial and research sectors, with a consultation open until April 16, 2026. Operators should review the proposed templates to ensure alignment with future licensing and registration expectations for radiation practices.

19 Mar 2026, 08:29gov.siSlovenia