U.S. FEDRegulation
NRC allows commercial reactor applicants to leverage DOE and Department of War demonstration authorizations
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission published a final rule on October 26, 2026 amending 10 CFR Parts 50 and 53 to allow commercial reactor applicants to use information from demonstration reactors previously authorized by the Department of Energy or the Department of War. Applicants referencing such a design must identify how attributes of the prior authorization satisfy NRC regulations. The rule takes effect November 25, 2026.
Key points
- New 10 CFR 50.43(f) lets an application under section 50.43(e) include information from a tested facility authorized by DOE or the Department of Defense.Federal Register
- Revised 10 CFR 53.440(a)(1) allows the same prior-authorization information to support design demonstrations under the Part 53 framework.Federal Register
- Any reference to a prior design must identify how attributes of the authorization satisfy NRC regulations, including section 50.43(e) for Part 50 applications.Federal Register
- The rule is in Docket NRC-2025-1503, RIN 3150-AL60, published at 91 FR 67195, and takes effect November 25, 2026.Federal Register
- The rule's title and summary name the Department of War; the amendatory text in sections 50.43(f) and 53.440(a)(1) names the Department of Defense.Federal Register