Construction of the First Commercial SMR in the United States Authorized
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a construction permit for the GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) at the Clinch River site in Tennesse. The regulator's decision paves the way for the country's first commercial SMR and represents a step forward in the deployment of modular reactors.
A breakthrough for small modular reactors
The project authorizes the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to build a 300-MW small modular reactor developed by GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH), a partner of Foro Nuclear. TVA becomes the first US utility to receive authorization to build a BWRX-300 reactor.
This decision forms part of the regulatory process for small modular reactors in North America. In April 2025, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) authorized Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to build the first BWRX-300 at the Darlington New Nuclear Project. Construction of the reactor has already begun. In March this year, OPG applied for an operating licence for the first unit, and the application is currently being reviewed by the CNSC. In the United States, last September Blue Energy began proceedings before the NRC to obtain a construction permit for a BWRX-300 planed for its hybrid gas and nuclear power plant in Texas, which it will build together with GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy.
Jason Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, said: "Fleet deployment is essential to the expansion of nuclear power in the United States, and Clinch River brings us one step closer to this new nuclear park model".
A 300-MW reactor
The BWRX-300 is a 300-MW small modular reactor that uses boiling water, is water-cooled and relies on natural circulation. Its design incorporates passive safety systems and draws on the technological and regulatory experience gained from boiling-water reactors. In addition, this type of reactor does not require external power or human intervention to remain in a safe state during emergencies.
SMRs have a more compact and modular design than the commercial nuclear fleet currently operating in the United States. Their smaller size, together with their modular design, enables faster construction, simpler operation and a lower visual impact.
A BWRX-300 reactor can supply electricity to approximately 300,000 homes
The BWRX-300 reactors belong to the tenth generation of boiling-water reactors (BWRs) designed by GE Vernova, with an estimated operating life of around 60 years. With an output of 300 MW, a single BWRX-300 unit can supply electricity to approximately 300,000 homes or a medium-sized city.
Next steps looking at the future
The autorization to build the reactor does not mean that construction will begin immediately. In fact, TVA has not yet announced when construction will start, as it is still negotiating with its partners over the distribution of construction costs and the project's financial responsabilities. Furthermore, the license does not authorize the nuclear facility to begin operating. Before loading fuel and commencing operations, TVA will have to apply for and obtain a separate license from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Looking at the global status of SMRs, the first BWRX-300 is currently under construction in Darlington, Canada, where four units are expected to be installed. This project joins Blue Energy's application to build a BWRX-300 in Texas, while projects involving the deployment of several units are also being developed in Poland and the United Kingdom. These initiatives highlight the international potential of these new reactor models and reflect the progress of nuclear technology as it moves into the future.
Source: GE Vernova Hitachi
