The U.S. Energy Information Administration tracks a growing pipeline of small modular reactors and microreactors under development across the country, reflecting a shift toward smaller, factory-built nuclear designs. These units carry lower individual capacity than traditional gigawatt-scale plants but aim to offer faster construction, modular deployment, and siting flexibility for industrial users and smaller grids.

Nuclear power overall is projected to hold near 18 percent of U.S. electricity generation in 2026, consistent with recent years, even as the fleet ages and developers advance new designs. Small modular reactors typically range from tens to a few hundred megawatts of electric capacity, allowing operators to add units incrementally rather than committing to a single large build. Microreactors sit at the smaller end and target remote sites, data centers, and backup applications.

The agency's tracking covers designs at varying stages, from regulatory review to early site work. Advanced reactor developers are pursuing federal licensing and, in several cases, construction permits for demonstration units. The data illustrates how the U.S. nuclear sector is diversifying beyond large light-water reactors, with smaller designs positioned to serve specific demand profiles. Commercial operation for the first wave of new-build small reactors is generally expected late in the decade.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration - https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=67584