US nuclear regulator allows reactor data for commercial licensing

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) finalized a rule on October 22, 2026, on the use of data from demonstration reactors in commercial license applications for new reactors.

Applicants will be able to draw on authorizations and data from facilities previously authorized by the US Department of Energy or Department of Defense. These facilities must have been tested and demonstrated their ability to operate safely.

The NRC already reviewed analyses, tests and operating experience in license applications. Reusing existing material could avoid repeating some analyses and shorten the review process. The commission says, however, that it cannot usefully quantify the potential savings at this stage.

Applicants will have to explain why the material provided is relevant to their project. They will have to account for differences in design, operation or site, as well as hazards and safety assumptions, and then fill any gaps.

The NRC retains its independent assessment. It can adjust the depth and scope of its review according to the relevance of the material provided. The commercial license remains subject to its decision.

Edwin Lyman, a nuclear safety expert at the Union of Concerned Scientists, told Reuters in defense of the independence of NRC decisions. He considers the commission's procedures more rigorous and transparent than those of the Departments of Energy and Defense.

As of October 23, the rule is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on October 26. It will take effect 30 days after its actual publication.