Skip to main content

"Revolutionary Breakthrough: NRC Certifies First-Ever Small Modular Reactor Design in US, Unleashing a New Era of Clean Energy!"


(source: VOYGR™ SMR power plant)NuScale Power

"A new era of clean energy has officially arrived as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued a groundbreaking rule making that allows utilities to reference NuScale's Small Modular Reactor (SMR) design when applying for a combined license to build and operate a reactor. This is not just any reactor, but an advanced light-water SMR with each power module capable of generating 50 megawatts of emissions-free electricity.


But that's not all, NuScale's VOYGR™ SMR power plant can house up to 12 factory-built power modules that are about a third of the size of a large-scale reactor. Imagine a power plant that leverages natural processes, such as convection and gravity, to passively cool the reactor without additional water, power, or even operator action. A true game changer in the energy industry.

The NRC accepted NuScale's SMR design certification application back in March 2018 and issued its final technical review in August 2020. The NRC Commission later voted to certify the design on July 29, 2022, making it the first SMR approved by the NRC for use in the United States.

The U.S. Department of Energy provided more than $600 million since 2014 to support the design, licensing, and siting of NuScale's VOYGR SMR power plant and other domestic SMR concepts. The department is currently working with Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) through the Carbon Free Power Project to demonstrate a six-module NuScale VOYGR plant at Idaho National Laboratory. The first module is expected to be operational by 2029 with full plant operation the following year. UAMPS finished subsurface field investigation activities at the proposed INL site and expects to submit a combined license application to the NRC in the first quarter of 2024.

But that's not all, NuScale Power has 19 signed and active domestic and international agreements to deploy SMR plants in 12 different countries, including Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Jordan in addition to the Carbon Free Power Project. This is just the beginning of a clean energy revolution that will power the nation towards a sustainable future. Get ready to witness history in the making!"

Source: (ENEGY.GOV)

#Nuscale #Powerdesign #NRC #SMR

Comments

Hot Topics

Canada’s Bold Leap: Geothermal-Powered Communities Are Here

Powering Canada’s Future: A Landmark Geothermal Alliance Between Diverso Energy and Mattamy Homes By Robert Buluma , August 2025 Imagine a neighbourhood where homes stay comfortably warm in winter and refreshingly cool in summer—without relying on gas or expensive HVAC systems. Welcome to the new era of sustainable Canadian homebuilding, powered by a groundbreaking partnership between Diverso Energy and Mattamy Homes . What’s the Big News? Diverso Energy , a trailblazer in geothermal Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS), has joined forces with Mattamy Homes , one of North America’s largest privately-owned homebuilders, in a national joint venture to bring geothermal technology into select residential projects across Canada. Diverso will now be the exclusive provider of geothermal heating and cooling to Mattamy developments—from single-family homes and townhouses to mid-rise and high-rise multi-unit buildings. Why It Matters: Sustainable, Scalable, Smart This partnership ushers in a sc...

Pentagon Expands Geothermal Push to Strengthen Military Energy Security

Pentagon’s Power Play:  DoD Expands Geothermal Push to Fortify U.S. Military Energy Security By:  Robert Buluma In a move that blends cutting-edge clean energy technology with the uncompromising demands of national security, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is ramping up its geothermal initiatives to ensure mission assurance and round-the-clock power for military installations. The stakes are high — with threats from wildfires, extreme weather, cyberattacks, and power shortages looming larger than ever, the Pentagon is betting on geothermal’s resilience to keep bases operational no matter the conditions. A United Front for Energy Resilience Through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) , the DoD is partnering with the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines to de-risk geothermal development and pave the way for full-scale power plant construction on military bases. Six geothermal innovators have been tapped for the mission: Eavor  – Pioneers in closed-loop geotherma...

Germany Maps 150+ Deep Geothermal Projects, 2000MW Planned

🌍 Germany’s Geothermal Boom: 2,000 MW in the Pipeline as New Map Reveals Over 150 Deep Geothermal Projects By: Robert Buluma Germany is turning up the heat—literally—on its clean energy future. A newly released map from the German Geothermal Energy Association (BVG) shows a dramatic surge in deep geothermal energy projects across the country. Titled "Deep Geothermal Projects in Germany," the map offers a comprehensive snapshot of over 150 geothermal projects currently in planning, with a staggering potential to generate up to 2,000 MW of thermal energy , and in some cases, electricity. 🔍 Current Geothermal Landscape in Germany According to the BVG, there are now: 42 operational deep geothermal plants 31 provide only heat 9 produce both heat and electricity 2 generate electricity exclusively 16 plants currently under construction 155 new plants in the planning phase 8 research facilities 170 thermal baths powered by geothermal sources The currently installed capacity stan...

Exceed Geo Energy Partners with PMDD on Historic 110-MW Geothermal Project

PMDD and Exceed Geo Energy Sign Historic 110-Megawatt Geothermal Agreement in Presidio By:  Robert Buluma Presidio, Texas is on the verge of an energy and economic revolution. On May 22, the Presidio Municipal Development District (PMDD) and Exceed Geo Energy signed a transformative 110-megawatt geothermal power purchase agreement (PPA) term sheet—an ambitious commitment that promises to redefine the region’s future. This groundbreaking framework, unveiled during the inaugural “Presidio Vision 2035” student competition, will provide Presidio with reliable, clean, and constant power, far surpassing current local demand. More importantly, it lays the foundation for attracting industries like data centers, manufacturing plants, refrigerated logistics, and agricultural processing facilities to this vital U.S.–Mexico trade corridor. A New Era of Clean Energy and Economic Growth John T. Kennedy, Executive Director of PMDD, emphasized the transformative scale of this agreement: “T...

Mercury, Contact Lead NZ's Supercritical Geothermal Energy Revolution

🌋 From the Ground Up: New Zealand’s Bold Leap into a Supercharged Geothermal Future By:  Robert Buluma In the heart of New Zealand, beneath the rugged volcanic landscapes and steaming geysers, lies an energy revolution waiting to erupt. On July 30th, 2025, a powerful message echoed from the geothermal capital of the Southern Hemisphere — New Zealand is not just embracing its geothermal potential; it is preparing to unleash it. With the unveiling of the draft strategy titled From the Ground Up , the government, led by Minister Shane Jones for Resources and Regional Development, signaled a transformative shift in how the nation will harness the heat beneath its feet — and it's as ambitious as it is inspiring. 🔥 A Legacy Forged in Steam New Zealand’s geothermal story is deeply rooted in its identity. Long before turbines spun and power grids buzzed, Māori ancestors were using geothermal waters for warmth, healing, and cooking. Geothermal, or waiwhatu , is more than a resource — ...

Germany Digs Deep: Fast-Tracking Geothermal Energy to Heat the Future

Germany Supercharges Geothermal Energy for a Carbon-Free Future Germany has just lit a fire under its clean energy transition only this time, the heat is coming from deep underground. By:  Robert Buluma On August 6, 2025, the government approved a bold bill to fast-track geothermal projects across the country. The move could transform how millions of homes and businesses are heated, slashing carbon emissions and cutting dependence on fossil fuels. What’s Changing Faster Approvals: No more endless waiting—geothermal plants, district heating lines, heat pumps, and thermal storage will get priority treatment. Overriding Public Interest: Geothermal now ranks alongside wind and solar, unlocking faster permits and smoother planning. Looser Exploration Rules: Drilling and subsurface studies will face fewer restrictions. Why It Matters Geothermal could supply over a quarter of Germany’s heating needs —and it’s available 24/7, rain or shine. With 42 plants already running and 16 more un...

Indonesia’s Geothermal Power Surge: Barito Renewables Unleashes Five Game-Changing Projects

A New Chapter in Indonesia’s Energy Future Has Begun. By:  Robert Buluma In a historic move that signals Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to a greener future, PT Barito Renewables Energy Tbk (BREN) has pulled the curtain back on five cutting-edge geothermal power projects under its subsidiary, Star Energy Geothermal . The inauguration, which took place virtually on June 26, 2025 , was no ordinary milestone—it was presided over by none other than President Prabowo Subianto himself, underscoring the national importance of this initiative. Set in the lush geothermal landscapes of Salak and Wayang Windu in West Java , these projects aren’t just about generating electricity—they’re about igniting transformation. 🔋 A USD 365 Million Bet on Green Power Barito Renewables is putting its money where its mission is, investing USD 365 million to inject an additional 112 MW into Indonesia’s energy mix. This expansion is expected to create over 3,300 jobs , supercharging local econom...

Ormat Inks New Zealand Deal for World’s Largest Binary Geothermal Plant

💥  Ormat Inks New Zealand Deal for World’s Largest Binary Geothermal Plant 💥 By:  Robert Buluma In a groundbreaking development for geothermal energy,  Ormat Technologies has signed a new contract with Contact Energy Ltd. to construct the Tehuka 3 geothermal power plant in New Zealand. This marks Ormat’s 16th geothermal power plant in the country and solidifies New Zealand's growing reputation as a global geothermal powerhouse. 🔋 59 MW of Clean Energy Incoming Once completed, Tehuka 3 will generate 59 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy—enough to power thousands of homes and industries with clean electricity. Notably, Tehuka 3 is set to become the largest single geothermal binary unit operational plant in the world, representing a new milestone in binary cycle technology. 🌋 Built on Trust, Powered by Tauhara This contract marks the third collaboration between Ormat and Contact Energy, underscoring a trusted partnership. The Tehuka 3 plant will be located near the exi...

India’s High-Altitude Geothermal Breakthrough: Powering the Future from Ladakh’s Cold Desert

In the breathtaking heart of Ladakh’s cold desert, at an awe-inspiring altitude of 14,000 feet , India is on the verge of making renewable energy history. By:  Robert Buluma The  The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC (ONGC) is nearing completion of a groundbreaking geothermal well in Puga Valley , bringing the nation one giant step closer to its first-ever geothermal power generation project . This is not just another renewable energy venture  it’s a bold statement of self-reliance and innovation . Executed entirely with homegrown expertise, the project unfolds in one of the most challenging terrains on Earth  the extreme, unconsolidated Himalayan formations, where access is limited to specific seasons and the topography is as rugged as it is beautiful. Despite the obstacles, ONGC’s Energy Centre, in collaboration with  Seros Drilling Private Limited, , has pushed forward, proving that determination and engineering excellence can conquer even the most for...

UK Launches Geothermal Platform to Power the Net Zero Future

Unlocking the UK’s Geothermal Future: A New Platform for Decarbonisation By:  Robert Buluma The UK has just taken a bold step toward a cleaner energy future with the launch of the UK Geothermal Platform , an innovative government-funded initiative designed to highlight geothermal potential across the nation. Developed by the British Geological Survey (BGS) and funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), this platform is set to become a game-changer in the race to net zero. What is the UK Geothermal Platform? At its core, the platform is an interactive map and data hub that brings together a wealth of geoscientific information—spanning national to local scales—about the geothermal resources lying beneath Britain’s surface. From shallow ground-source heat pumps to deep geothermal systems in granites, the tool allows decision makers, developers, and researchers to evaluate the geothermal potential of any area with ease. Dr. Alison Monaghan, head of geotherm...