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NRC Issues New Reactor Licensing Process

NRC Issues New Reactor Licensing Process

On March 25, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a new licensing pathway that accelerates safe, innovative reactor deployment and reinforces U.S. energy leadership, marking the first new reactor licensing framework in decades. The rule, known as Part 53, is designed to provide optionality and make licensing advanced nuclear reactors faster, simpler, and more cost-effective while continuing to prioritize safety. Part 53 introduces technology-inclusive safety standards, increased flexibility for reactor design and operation based on risk analyses, graded security requirements, and innovative features to accelerate reactor deployment. Learn more.