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This brief authored by NIA Executive Director Judi Greenwald connects the role of advanced nuclear energy in meeting climate and energy security goals with the urgent need for NRC reform to enable advanced nuclear energy. It outlines the short-, medium- and long-term NRC reforms that are necessary to achieve that goal. It provides recommendations for action by Congress and the NRC and highlights several of NIA's recommendations for improving licensing efficiency. NIA developed this brief to serve as a guide for policymakers, the NRC itself, and key stakeholders in considering and then taking action to ensure the NRC can "become an agile, modern, risk-informed, and performance-based regulator to successfully meet this moment."

This brief was last updated in March 2025

On October 31, 2024, the NRC published the proposed Part 53 rule in the Federal Register for public comment (Docket ID NRC-2019-0062). Stakeholders still have concerns about the current draft of Part 53. Fifteen stakeholder organizations participated in a workshop consensus process that culminated in this document.  

This comment focuses on select aspects of the proposed Part 53 rule where there was strong stakeholder consensus on changes or clarifications. By addressing stakeholder concerns and refining the rule, the NRC can create a regulatory environment that supports the safe, timely, and cost-effective deployment of advanced reactors. 

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has worked diligently over the past five years to develop a risk-informed, performance-based, and technology-inclusive regulatory framework in 10 CFR Part 53 (“Part 53”) for advanced reactors.  

NIA submitted comments on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's proposed advanced reactor regulations. These regulations, known as 10 CFR Part 53, could help enable the more efficient, effective, and predictable licensing of novel advanced reactors. The proposed rules, however, have major challenges that would limit applicants' ability to use the new licensing pathways. NIA believes that the changes recommended in its comments can help create a rule that is both usable and useful. 

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has worked diligently over the past five years to develop a risk-informed, performance-based, and technology-inclusive regulatory framework in 10 CFR Part 53 (“Part 53”) for advanced reactors.  

In a joint letter with other NGO’s NIA which provides the unique perspectives on the Part 53 rulemaking process from several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with a shared interest in the development and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors to support public clean energy and energy security needs. 

Making the changes described in this letter would help produce a final rule that is practicable for industry and ensures that the NRC fulfills its mission.  

NIA Research Director Dr. Patrick White participated in the first Nuclear Energy Education Day (NEED) in Lansing, Michigan on March 6th. He testified before the Michigan Senate Energy and Environment Committee and answered questions from lawmakers about opportunities for existing and new nuclear energy in Michigan!

In this fact sheet, NIA provides a brief overview of the new GenIII+ SMR Program discusses how public-private partnerships are critical to the successful deployment of advanced nuclear energy technologies. It also emphasizes the program’s focus on building an “orderbook” of reactors and leveraging performance milestone-based funding to drive project success. 

This brief is part of a series of NIA publications that seeks to provide essential insights for those newly exploring nuclear energy as well as those seeking concise information crucial to nuclear energy innovation and deployment.    

NIA's response in support of the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Interim Final Rule to update, streamline, and relocate the policies and procedures that are applicable to the use and administration of DOE's other transaction agreements (OTAs), which includes DOE's ability to utilize a performance milestone-based approach to public-private partnerships.

DOE-HQ-2024-0095-0005

This brief presents the case for continued investment in the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) to ensure the successful deployment of advanced nuclear energy technologies. It discusses the many benefits that a successful ARDP brings with it and why continued investment should be prioritized. More specifically, the following topics and benefits are discussed:

1. Providing new commercial use cases for advanced nuclear energy
2. Creating benefits for other advanced nuclear energy projects
3. Accelerating U.S. NRC licensing of advanced nuclear reactors
4. Attracting private capital
5. Creating high quality jobs both locally and nationally. 

This brief was last updated in February 2025.

This methodology document is a companion to NIA’s comments on the TVA Draft Integrated Resource Plan. To view this methodology document, click the "Download" button below.

To view NIA's original comments to TVA's Draft Integrated Resource Plan, click the following link: Comments on Tennessee Valley Authority's 2025 Draft Integrated Resource Plan

NIA submitted comments on Tennessee Valley Authority’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan. In these comments, we recommend using updated and publicly available costs, adjusting the availability and construction timeline of SMRs and Generation IV reactors. We also propose alternative timelines and costs that we feel should be used and the justifications for doing so. To view these comments, click the "Download" button below. 

These comments were informed by NIA's review of TVA's methodology. This methodology review can be found in a companion document to NIA's comments. To view this companion document, click the following link: Companion Document - Methodology Review of the TVA Integrated Resource Planning Process