NRC
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is the independent federal agency that regulates civilian nuclear power reactors, materials, and waste to ensure public health and safety.
Created by the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, the NRC licenses nuclear facilities, certifies reactor designs, conducts inspections, and enforces compliance with the Atomic Energy Act. It oversees 93 operating reactors as of 2024 and reviews advanced designs like SMRs. The NRC issues combined licenses (COLs) under 10 CFR Part 52 for streamlined deployment.
Why it matters now
NRC licensing decisions in 2025-2026 will accelerate SMR commercialization for data center PPAs, with NuScale's VOYGR design certification influencing investor confidence amid HALEU supply constraints.