Small Modular Reactors

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

UK regulators have completed the fundamental assessment of the Holtec SMR-300 reactor design, identifying no major environmental or safety obstacles. This progress provides critical regulatory certainty for small modular reactor deployment and signals the transition toward detailed design scrutiny and 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 for the Holtec SMR-300 reactor design in March 2026. This milestone reduces regulatory uncertainty and signals a clear path toward the commercial deployment of small modular reactors in England and Wales.

2 Apr 2026, 09:35gov.ukUnited Kingdom

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

The US NRC has finalized a risk-informed, technology-inclusive regulatory framework for advanced nuclear reactors, effective April 2026. This optional licensing pathway allows developers to tailor safety and security requirements to specific designs, streamlining the deployment of next-generation nuclear technologies.

29 Mar 2026, 06:37govinfo.govUnited States

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

Peru has enacted Law No. 32560 to establish a national framework for nuclear power generation and the deployment of Small Modular Reactors. Energy developers should prepare for upcoming environmental impact assessment amendments and site-specific radiological safety standards governing future licensing.

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

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

The UK has launched a review of third-party liability frameworks for small and advanced modular reactors to ensure financial requirements remain proportionate to risk. Adjusting liability limits could significantly lower insurance costs and improve the commercial viability of next-generation nuclear projects and integrated industrial applications.

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 confirmed regulatory assessment timelines for Holtec and Rolls-Royce small modular reactor designs with completions targeted through 2027. This milestone provides the regulatory certainty required for long-term capital investment and supply chain mobilization within the UK nuclear energy sector.

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

UK Defra Secretary of State Declares RR SMR Small Modular Reactor Design a Justified Practice Under JoPIIRR 2004

The UK government has formally designated the Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor as a justified practice under ionising radiation regulations. This decision removes a critical regulatory barrier to deployment, establishing a clear commercial pathway for modular nuclear technology and future reactor approvals.

18 Mar 2026, 17:05gov.ukUnited Kingdom

US NRC Issues Construction Permit and Record of Decision for Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1

The US NRC has authorized the construction of the Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1, marking a significant milestone for advanced nuclear energy deployment. This approval validates the regulatory pathway for next-generation reactor designs and signals a shift toward accelerating clean energy infrastructure through site-specific permitting.

14 Mar 2026, 08:40public-inspection.federalregister.govUnited States

UK Government Publishes Nuclear Regulatory Overhaul Implementation Plan

The UK government has committed to a comprehensive overhaul of nuclear regulation by late 2027 to accelerate the deployment of major energy and modular reactor projects. This shift toward a risk-based licensing framework will reduce lead times for infrastructure but requires industry to adapt to more agile and collaborative regulatory engagement models.

14 Mar 2026, 07:56gov.ukUnited Kingdom

China MEE Issues Public Notice on EIA for Thorium-Based Molten Salt Reactor Research Facility

China has initiated the public notice period for the environmental impact assessment of a thorium-based molten salt reactor research facility through late March 2026. This development marks a significant regulatory milestone for small modular reactor technology, signaling China's commitment to diversifying its nuclear energy portfolio and advancing next-generation reactor deployment.

13 Mar 2026, 17:26mee.gov.cnChina

European Commission Prepares SMR Strategy and Backs Nuclear-Powered Shipping Work

The European Commission is developing a dedicated strategy for Small Modular Reactors and coordinating international safety standards for nuclear-powered merchant shipping. This move toward harmonized licensing and safety frameworks signals a long-term shift in energy policy that will facilitate the integration of modular nuclear technology into industrial and maritime supply chains.

12 Mar 2026, 12:39europarl.europa.euEuropean UnionGlobal

EU Commission Communication on Clean Energy Investment Strategy

The European Commission has launched a multi-decade Clean Energy Investment Strategy to mobilize nearly 700 billion EUR annually for grid infrastructure and industrial decarbonization. This roadmap signals a shift toward de-risked private capital models and energy efficiency as a service, ahead of a major post-2030 legislative package expected in late 2026.

12 Mar 2026, 11:15ec.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Commission Announces European Strategy for Small Modular Reactors and ETS-Funded Nuclear Investment Guarantee

The European Commission has launched a strategic framework to deploy Small Modular Reactors by the early 2030s, backed by a 200 million euro investment guarantee. This shift establishes nuclear energy as a central pillar of EU industrial competitiveness, signaling upcoming regulatory sandboxes and harmonized cross-border standards for energy infrastructure.

12 Mar 2026, 09:30ec.europa.euEuropean Union

United States Statute Compilation For Public Law 118-67 (ADVANCE Act Of 2024) On Advanced Nuclear Licensing And Oversight

The United States has enacted a comprehensive regulatory framework to accelerate the licensing and commercial deployment of advanced nuclear reactors and fusion technologies. Stakeholders should anticipate significantly reduced regulatory costs and expedited approval timelines alongside stricter supply chain restrictions on nuclear fuel and international exports.

10 Mar 2026, 16:17govinfo.govUnited States

EU Parliament ITRE Draft Report On Instrument For Nuclear Safety Cooperation And Decommissioning 2028–2034

The EU Parliament ITRE committee has published a draft report on the 2028–2034 nuclear safety and decommissioning instrument, proposing a unified framework for internal and external safety cooperation. Proposed amendments emphasize greater transparency in international partnerships and the strategic protection of European interests in emerging technologies like small modular reactors.

10 Mar 2026, 05:57europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Germany Environment Ministry Rejects Small Modular Reactors In Favour Of Renewable Energy

Germany has formally dismissed Small Modular Reactors as a viable energy solution, citing high costs, waste concerns, and safety risks. This position reinforces Germany's long-term regulatory commitment to renewables and signals continued high market entry barriers for nuclear technology providers.

4 Mar 2026, 16:11bundesumweltministerium.deGermany

US NRC Accepts Phased Construction Permit and Limited Work Authorization Application for Pioneer Units 1 and 2

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has accepted a phased construction permit application for two small modular reactor units, initiating the formal safety and environmental review process. This milestone provides a clear regulatory roadmap for the commercialization of next-generation nuclear technology and the expansion of carbon-free energy infrastructure.

4 Mar 2026, 16:01federalregister.govUnited States

US DOE Reopens Comment Period on Worker Safety and Health Requirements for Nuclear Reactor Testing

The US Department of Energy has extended the public comment period to March 2026 for proposed worker safety reforms aimed at accelerating advanced nuclear reactor testing. This delay highlights significant stakeholder concern regarding labor protections, suggesting that future regulatory streamlining for nuclear energy will face rigorous scrutiny over occupational health standards.

2 Mar 2026, 14:52federalregister.govUnited States

United States Amends International Financial Institutions Act To Support Multilateral Development Bank Nuclear Energy Financing

The United States has mandated its representatives at multilateral development banks to actively promote nuclear energy financing and the creation of dedicated assistance trust funds. This move signals a strategic push to normalize nuclear power in international development portfolios and provides a competitive financing framework for Western nuclear technology and small modular reactor providers.

24 Feb 2026, 19:54govinfo.govUnited States

United States NEIMA Statute Compilation Highlights 2027 NRC Advanced Reactor Rulemaking Deadline

The U.S. has finalized the consolidated Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act, mandating a new technology-inclusive licensing framework for advanced reactors by late 2027. This modernization effort reduces regulatory uncertainty for next-generation nuclear deployment by institutionalizing risk-informed oversight and predictable fee structures for developers.

24 Feb 2026, 19:54govinfo.govUnited States