Design, deliver, repeat: A formula for success in nuclear’s next era

[Marlin]

Design, deliver, repeat: A formula for success in nuclear's next era

https://www.ans.org/news/2026-06-30/article-8039/design-deliver-repeat-a-formula-for-success-in-nuclears-next-era/

[Core Content]

Bechtel is applying standardized engineering, procurement, and construction processes to current nuclear projects, including the Clinch River small modular reactor and the Natrium plant in Wyoming. These efforts focus on design maturity, integrated planning, and synchronized supply chains to improve project performance and reduce the cost and schedule overruns seen in previous builds.

The industry is shifting toward repeatable execution models to address the complexities of deploying new nuclear technology. By applying lessons from the LNG sector and recent reactor completions, firms aim to transition from bespoke construction to standardized, data-driven delivery. This approach seeks to stabilize project timelines and costs, which are necessary for the long-term viability of the nuclear energy sector.

Conditions for nuclear energy haven't looked this favorable in a generation. Policy support is building, public support has risen, and demand for reliable power continues to outpace what other sources can provide. Whether the industry can successfully capitalize on this moment will come down to how well it executes.

The proven truth is that execution success is largely determined before construction ever starts—by ensuring design constructability, shaping the project's execution plan, aligning design and delivery, and establishing the systems needed to control cost and schedule. Many large energy projects have faltered for lack of these engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) fundamentals.

Read the full article at ans.org:
https://www.ans.org/news/2026-06-30/article-8039/design-deliver-repeat-a-formula-for-success-in-nuclears-next-era/