Shares of NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE: SMR) surged 20% in early trading today after the company announced that its upgraded Small Modular Reactor (SMR) design has received Standard Design Approval (SDA) from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This new approval, which covers a 77 megawatt electric (MWe) reactor module, marks a major regulatory milestone and reinforces NuScale’s leadership in the emerging SMR sector.
NuScale remains the only SMR technology company to have received NRC approval, now for two distinct reactor designs. The newly approved 77 MWe design represents a significant enhancement over the company’s previously-certified 50 MWe version, offering increased power output and greater flexibility for commercial applications.
The updated design will power ENTRA1 Energy plants, allowing them to deliver more carbon-free electricity to a broader array of customers, including utilities, data centers, and industrial operations. The increased capacity per module will also help reduce project costs and improve scalability for future deployments.
“This second approval by the NRC not only validates our technological advancements but also strengthens our position as the clear frontrunner in SMR development,” said a NuScale spokesperson. “We remain on track for commercial deployment by 2030.”
Today’s announcement is likely to boost investor confidence in NuScale’s long-term prospects, especially as the global demand for clean, reliable energy solutions continues to grow. The company’s technology is considered a key component in the transition to a net-zero energy future, particularly for regions seeking alternatives to fossil fuels without sacrificing grid stability.
With this latest regulatory green light, NuScale is well positioned to lead the global rollout of SMR technology in the coming decade.
