NRC finalizes rule to use DOE and DOW reactor test data in licensing
Final rule amends 10 CFR Parts 50 and 53; NRC proposed it on April 2, 2026 and received 136 unique comment submissions.
Key facts
- Takes effect 30 days after Federal Register publication, expected next week
- Applicants must identify differences in design, site or hazards from the demonstration reactor
- First reactor regulation change finalized under Executive Order 14300
- Applicants remain responsible for meeting all statutory and regulatory requirements
- Rule covers use of DOE and DOW analyses, test data and other information
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission finalized a rule on October 22 allowing applicants to use relevant analyses, test data and other information from U.S. Department of Energy or U.S. Department of War reactor demonstration programs in commercial reactor license applications. The rule amends 10 CFR Parts 50 and 53. Applicants must still demonstrate compliance with NRC requirements and identify differences between the demonstration reactor and the proposed commercial project, including design, site or hazards that could affect safety, the NRC said.
The rule was finalized under Executive Order 14300, which directs the agency to accelerate the licensing of safe nuclear technologies. The NRC proposed the rule on April 2, 2026, and received 136 unique comment submissions. The final rule clarifies that applicants remain responsible for meeting all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements and provides examples of information that may be used to support an application.
“High-quality applications showing how DOE and DOW results apply to NRC requirements will help us review them more efficiently,” Chairman Ho K. Nieh said. The rule takes effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, which the NRC expects next week.
