Early Site Permit Applications for New Reactors
By issuing an early site permit (ESP), the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approves one or more sites for a nuclear power facility, independent of an application for a construction permit or combined license. An ESP is valid for 10 to 20 years from the date of issuance, and can be renewed for an additional 10 to 20 years.
In reviewing an ESP application, the NRC staff will address site safety issues, environmental protection issues, and plans for coping with emergencies, independent of the review of a specific nuclear plant design. During this process, the NRC notifies all stakeholders (including the public) as to how and when they may participate in the regulatory process, which may include participating in public meetings and opportunities to request a hearing on the issuance of an ESP.
The links below provide information on the ESPs that the NRC has issued to date, as well as the ESP applications that are currently under review.
Issued Early Site Permits
The NRC staff has issued the following ESPs:
| Site | Applicant |
|---|---|
| Clinton ESP Site | Exelon Generation Company, LLC |
| Grand Gulf ESP Site | System Energy Resources Inc. |
| North Anna ESP Site | Dominion Nuclear North Anna, LLC |
| Vogtle ESP Site | Southern Nuclear Operating Company |
| PSEG Site | PSEG Power, LLC, and PSEG Nuclear, LLC (PSEG) |
| Clinch River Nuclear Site | Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) |
Early Site Permit Applications Currently Under Review
The staff is currently reviewing the following ESP applications:
| Site | Applicant |
|---|---|
| Grand Gulf Site ESP Renewal | Systems Energy Resources, Inc., a subsidiary of Entergy Operations, Inc. |
| North Anna ESP Renewal | Dominion Energy Services, Inc. |
| Belews Creek ESP Application | Duke Energy |
* Application withdrawn on October 3, 2012
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Friday, June 05, 2026
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Friday, June 05, 2026