NRC issues first US construction permit for BWRX-300 SMR to TVA at Clinch River

GE Vernova Hitachi/BWRX-300

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved Tennessee Valley Authority's construction permit for a BWRX-300 at Clinch River near Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The review took 14 months, completed four months ahead of schedule. This is the first construction permit for a commercial small modular reactor in the United States and establishes a clear, repeatable licensing pathway for future BWRX-300 applicants.

• NRC completed review 4 months ahead of schedule, validating the licensing pathway.
• TVA is now the first US utility permitted to construct a BWRX-300.
• The permit enables TVA to begin negotiations with industry partners on cost sharing.
• TVA plans to build up to four BWRX-300s at Clinch River.