The Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Ho K. Nieh, stated in an interview that the United States could see advanced nuclear reactors, specifically small modular reactors (SMRs), operational by 2030. He highlighted the recent construction permit granted for the Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 in Wyoming, which will utilize a 345-megawatt SMR. Nieh mentioned that while the NRC is preparing the regulatory framework, the timeline for operational reactors will depend on various commercial factors, including supply chain considerations.
Nieh noted that SMRs typically generate around 300 megawatts of power and have a smaller footprint, allowing them to be built closer to local power grids. Currently, there are no SMRs operational in the U.S. and only a few worldwide. He also discussed the support from the Energy Department for advanced nuclear technology through its Pilot Reactor Program, which aims to accelerate the development and deployment of these reactors. Antares Nuclear's Mark-0 reactor recently achieved a key milestone in the pilot program, with plans to produce electricity by 2027 and deploy reactors at military installations in 2028. Nieh emphasized the importance of refining designs and ensuring timely delivery to commercialize SMRs effectively.