NRC Debuts Modernized Hearing Process for Nation’s First Advanced Reactor Construction Permit Revie

[Marlin]

NRC Debuts Modernized Hearing Process for Nation's First Advanced Reactor Construction Permit Review

https://www.nrc.gov/sites/default/files/cdn/doc-collection-news/2026/26-075.pdf

[Core Content]

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will implement a modernized mandatory hearing process on August 13 for the Tennessee Valley Authority's proposed Clinch River small modular reactor. This framework aims to increase transparency and efficiency during the construction permit review for the 300-megawatt project. The agency intends to utilize this streamlined approach to meet its goal of issuing construction permit decisions within 18 months for future advanced reactor applications.

ROCKVILLE, Md . — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will debut a new public hearing process on Aug. 13 during its review of the Tennessee Valley Authority's proposed Clinch River small modular reactor, marking the first time the agency has used its modernized mandatory hearing framework for an advanced reactor licensing review.

The redesigned hearing process gives the public earlier and more meaningful insight into the NRC's safety and environmental reviews while supporting the agency's broader effort to make licensing reviews more transparent, predictable and efficient. The hearing comes as the NRC targets construction permit decisions within 18 months as part of its modernization initiative.

Read the full article at nrc.gov:
https://www.nrc.gov/sites/default/files/cdn/doc-collection-news/2026/26-075.pdf