NuScale Power Corporation, the industry-leading provider of proprietary and innovative advanced small modular reactor nuclear technology, announced that it has received design approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its uprated 250 MWt (77 MWe) NuScale Power Modules.

The U.S. NRC’s uprate approval of the NuScale SMR technology now strengthens ENTRA1 Energy to produce and deliver energy as the most near-term American SMR power solution via ENTRA1 Energy Plants™ with NuScale SMR technology inside. ENTRA1 Energy is NuScale’s partner and independent power plant development platform, which holds the global exclusive rights to the commercialization, distribution, and deployment of NuScale’s SMRs.

The uprate approval by the U.S. regulatory authority increases the power output per module from NuScale’s previously-approved 50 MWe design, enabling ENTRA1 Energy Plants to provide a wider range of off-takers and consumers with reliable, carbon-free energy. NuScale remains the only SMR technology company with design approval from the NRC, and the company remains on track for deployment by 2030.

“We are thrilled that the NRC has approved our second SDA application, this time for our 77 MWe design. This marks a historic moment not only for NuScale, but the entire industry, as NuScale and ENTRA1 move closer to meeting the demands of clean energy users,” said John Hopkins, NuScale President and Chief Executive Officer. “For more than a decade, our team has proudly worked alongside the NRC to achieve the successful approval of our designs. The NRC is domestically and internationally recognized and respected for its rigorous safety standards, and this approval is a crucial step toward meeting our goal of providing clean, reliable, and, most importantly, safe energy to off-takers and consumers.”

NuScale’s first Design Certification Application (DCA) for its 160 MWt (50 MWe) SMR design was accepted by the NRC in March 2017. Subsequently, the NRC affirmed its approval of NuScale’s 50 MWe SMR design, marking the first design to receive its approval.

NuScale’s uprated design features the same fundamental safety case and passive safety features previously approved by the NRC with a power uprate and select design changes to support growing capacity needs. Originally slated for approval later this summer, today’s announcement marks the early completion of the NRC review process.

“NuScale is proud to have worked with the NRC and to have met its stringent regulatory application process as we continue to lead the way in the SMR industry with our second design approval,” said Carrie Fosaaen, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Services. “With today’s announcement, NuScale continues to advance with ENTRA1 Energy in the commercialization of our SMR technology inside ENTRA1 Energy Plants while remaining steadfast in our mission to improve the quality of life for people around the world through safe, clean energy.”