NRC issues first U.S. construction permit for a BWRX-300 small modular reactor

First U.S. BWRX-300 Construction Permit Issued

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has granted a construction permit to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for a BWRX-300 small modular reactor. This permit applies to the Clinch River site located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and represents the first such permit issued in the United States for a BWRX-300 reactor.

GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) acknowledged the NRC's decision, highlighting it as a significant step for TVA, GVH, and the broader U.S. nuclear industry in advancing a new generation of nuclear power deployment.

Regulatory Process and Collaboration

The NRC's decision followed a comprehensive review of TVA’s construction permit application. This process involved significant engagement between TVA, the NRC, and GVH, demonstrating that experience, early regulatory involvement, and a mature reactor design can contribute to a more efficient pathway for advanced nuclear projects.

Eric Gray, CEO of GE Vernova Power Segment, noted the collaboration between TVA, the NRC, and the Department of Energy in supporting the deployment of the first BWRX-300 in the country, aligning with federal Executive Orders aimed at accelerating advanced reactors.

Growing Regulatory Momentum in North America

This U.S. permit adds to the increasing regulatory progress for the BWRX-300 across North America. In April 2025, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) issued a License to Construct to Ontario Power Generation (OPG) for the first BWRX-300 at its Darlington New Nuclear Project site, where construction is currently underway.

Additionally, OPG submitted its License to Operate application for the first unit in March 2026, which is under CNSC review. In September 2026, Blue Energy submitted the initial part of its construction permit application to the NRC for a BWRX-300 planned for a gas-plus-nuclear project in Texas.

Implications for Future Deployments

These ongoing projects are collectively building a body of licensing experience that can be applied to future BWRX-300 deployments. Jason Cooper, CEO of GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, stated that fleet deployment, combined with a standard design and a predictable regulatory environment, is essential for scaling nuclear energy in the United States.