W12 Enabling the Safe & Timely Deployment of Microreactors: Meeting Critical U.S. Needs Through Innovation & Regulatory Readiness

This panel will examine how the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is shaping a modern, risk-informed regulatory framework to accelerate the deployment of microreactors and other low-consequence nuclear technologies. NRC experts will present a high-level overview of the existing and proposed microreactor licensing frameworks, highlighting key objectives of these frameworks and how they provide flexibilities depending on customer needs. The session will also feature a range of stakeholder perspectives—including policymakers, industry leaders, and technology developers—who will discuss deployment models, use cases, and commercial drivers. The panel will conclude with an extended Q&A session, offering attendees a valuable opportunity to engage directly with regulators and innovators. Participants will gain insight into how the NRC is aligning regulatory processes with technological advancement to support the safe, efficient rollout of next-generation nuclear solutions.

SESSION CHAIR(S):

Christian Araguas, Director, Division of Engineering, RES/NRC
Opening Remarks

SPEAKER(S):

• William Kennedy, Senior Project Manager, Advanced Reactor Policy Branch, Advanced Reactors and Non-power Production and Utilization Facilities, NRR/NRC
  Enabling the Safe and Timely Deployment of Microreactors Through Regulatory Innovation and Readiness
• Marc Nichol, Executive Director, New Nuclear, Nuclear Energy Institute
  Enabling Rapid High-Volume Deployable Reactors
• Rita Baranwal, Chief Nuclear Officer, Radiant
  Building Earth's First Portable Mass-Produced Nuclear Reactor
• Evan Pierce, Vice President, Site Development & Energy, Development for the Americas, EdgeConneX
  Enabling the Safe & Timely Deployment of Microreactors: Meeting Critical U.S. Needs Through Innovation & Regulatory Readiness

SESSION COORDINATOR(S):

Maggie Chauhan, Project Manager, NRR/NRC tel: (301) 415-0365, e-mail: Maggie.Chauhan@nrc.gov