Small modular reactor development moved forward across several designs in 2026, with a widening field of companies engaging the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. NuScale Power remains the only SMR design with full NRC certification, having received Design Certification for its 50 megawatt module in January 2023 and Standard Design Approval for the uprated 77 megawatt US460 design in May 2025.
Other developers are progressing through the licensing pipeline. Designs under NRC review include the BWRX-300, TerraPower's Natrium, X-energy's Xe-100, Kairos Power's reactor, Holtec's SMR-300, and Oklo's Aurora. TerraPower and Kairos Power are described as the next most advanced in NRC engagement, while Oklo received approval for a Principal Design Criteria topical report tied to its Aurora powerhouse.
Construction timelines are coming into focus. The first wave of new US SMRs is expected to reach operation in the 2029 to 2032 window. The GE Vernova and Ontario Power Generation BWRX-300 project at Darlington stands out as the closest to commercial operation among Western SMR efforts, with a licensed construction site and a 2029 target.
The activity reflects growing utility and industrial interest in smaller reactors that can be built faster and sited closer to demand, including at data centers and manufacturing facilities seeking firm, carbon-free power. Licensing progress remains the key gating factor for the sector.
Source: SMR Intel - https://smrintel.com/smr-nrc-approval-tracker/