Small Modular Reactor Commercialization Act of 2025
The Small Modular Reactor Commercialization Act of 2025 would broaden and accelerate the development, demonstration, and deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors in the United States. Key changes include raising the size thresholds that define SMRs and microreactors, directing the Department of Energy (DOE) to create a cross-agency working group to strategize commercialization and industrialization (with a detailed set of duties and annual reporting through 2030), and ensuring federal funding programs do not automatically exclude larger reactors up to 500 megawatts (MW). The bill also requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and DOE to update their guidance to reflect the new definitions and to align with the revised thresholds. Overall, it aims to position the United States as a leading hub for SMR technology, manufacturing, and workforce readiness, while coordinating across multiple federal agencies and stakeholders.
Key Points
- 1Expanded definitions and thresholds for SMRs and microreactors:
- 2- Small modular reactors (SMRs) are defined as advanced nuclear reactors with a rated output of less than 500 MW and designed to be built and operated alongside similar reactors at a single site.
- 3- Microreactors are defined as advanced reactors with a rated output of less than 50 MW.
- 4- The act increases prior thresholds, effectively allowing larger reactors to be classified and considered within SMR programs and initiatives.
- 5Updated guidance for regulators:
- 6- NRC and DOE are required to revise their guidance on the maximum electrical output for SMRs and microreactors to align with the Act’s definitions.
- 7Financial assistance and funding eligibility:
- 8- DOE may not exclude projects or reactor technologies from funding awards solely because a single reactor unit exceeds previous megawatt thresholds (up to 500 MW). Existing DOE solicitations remain valid where applicable.
- 9New interagency working group with a focus on commercialization and industrialization:
- 10- Creation of the Small Modular Reactor Commercialization and Industrialization Competitiveness Working Group.
- 11- Duties include identifying SMR technologies under NRC or foreign regulator approval, assessing how the U.S. can lead in commercialization and build a long-term manufacturing base, recommending policy changes to encourage U.S. manufacturing, improving U.S. workforce readiness, and identifying strategic R&D objectives for cost reduction after first-of-a-kind deployments.
- 12- The Secretary of Energy (or a designee) will chair the group. Membership includes key federal agencies (DOE, DOD, DOS, DOC, DOI, Treasury, and NRC), with the possibility of adding more members.
- 13- Annual reports on findings and recommendations due to Congress through 2030.
- 14Definitions and statutory alignment:
- 15- The Act references established definitions for “advanced nuclear reactor,” “microreactor,” and “small modular reactor,” ensuring consistency with related energy and regulatory frameworks.