In a major policy shift, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved new guidance that allows microreactors to be fueled and tested in factories. This could significantly accelerate deployment timelines for advanced nuclear startups.

Outlined in a June 17 memo, the policy allows:

• Fuel to be loaded at the factory, as long as the design includes safeguards to prevent criticality;

• Operational testing to occur prior to shipment;

• A redefinition of “operation” to begin only when those safeguards are removed post-deployment

This change removes key bottlenecks for companies building modular, transportable systems.

Here’s how it directly supports our portfolio:

Radiant (Q4 2021, Q1 2025): Radiant’s portable nuclear generators stand to benefit from off-site testing and factory fueling, especially for defense and remote energy use cases.

Aalo (Q3 2024, Q4 2024): Aalo’s sealed microreactors are built for factory assembly and shipment. These policies enable validation and fueling pre-deployment, accelerating early commercial pilots.

Blue Energy (Q4 2024): With a focus on modular deployment, Blue can now pursue pre-operational qualification in the factory, reducing on-site regulatory hurdles and shortening the path to demonstration.

These updates reflect a broader shift at the NRC toward enabling next-gen deployment models, aligned with the ADVANCE Act’s mandate for risk-informed, performance-based licensing.

References:

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, “Staff Requirements – SECY-24-0008 – Micro-Reactor Licensing and Deployment Considerations: Fuel Loading and Operational Testing at a Factory”, June 17, 2025.

Forbes, “Nuclear Regulatory Commission Advances New Microreactor Policies”, by Noel Fletcher, June 30, 2025.

Utility Dive, “Nuclear Regulators Lighten Microreactor Restrictions”, by Brian Martucci, June 24, 2025.