H.R. 2813: Small Modular Reactor Commercialization Act of 2025

The Small Modular Reactor Commercialization Act of 2025 aims to advance the development and deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the United States, focusing on creating an efficient regulatory and support framework for these technologies. Here’s a breakdown of key components of the bill:

1. New Definitions and Adjustments

The bill proposes to revise certain legal definitions and thresholds regarding the capacity of small modular reactors:

• It increases the maximum rated electrical output capacity threshold for SMRs from 300,000 kilowatts to 500,000 kilowatts, allowing for increased generation capacity.
• It also amends the output range defined for SMRs, aligning the legal and technical standards for greater flexibility in capacity.

2. Guidance Revisions

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are directed to update their guidance on SMRs and microreactors to reflect the new definitions and thresholds established in the bill. This aims to streamline the regulatory process and ensure consistency across agencies.

3. Financial Assistance for SMR Projects

The bill expands eligibility for financial assistance related to the development of small modular reactors. Specifically:

• It allows the Secretary of Energy to provide funding for projects even if a single reactor's output exceeds a specified range (between 50 and 500 megawatts).
• This is intended to encourage innovative designs and technologies that push beyond traditional output limits.

4. Establishment of a Working Group

A new working group, called the Small Modular Reactor Commercialization and Industrialization Competitiveness Working Group, will be established to enhance SMR technology's commercialization. This group will:

• Identify promising SMR technologies and their regulatory status.
• Provide recommendations to improve the U.S.'s position as a leader in SMR technology and manufacturing.
• Identify research needs and workforce development strategies to support the SMR industry.
• Provide annual reports on findings and ongoing initiatives to relevant congressional committees through 2030.

5. Membership and Leadership of the Working Group

The working group will include representatives from multiple federal agencies, particularly the DOE, Department of Defense, Department of State, Department of Commerce, Department of the Interior, Department of Treasury, and NRC. The Secretary of Energy will serve as the chairperson, leading discussions and efforts within the group.

6. Definitions of Key Terms

The bill includes clear definitions for important terms, including:

• Advanced Nuclear Reactor: Refers to reactors that meet specific criteria outlined in previous legislation.
• Microreactor: Defined as an advanced nuclear reactor with a capacity of less than 50 electrical megawatts.
• Small Modular Reactor: An advanced nuclear reactor with a capacity under 500 electrical megawatts, designed for construction and operation at a single site alongside similar reactors.

Relevant Companies

• NEE (NextEra Energy, Inc.): As a major player in the renewable and nuclear energy sectors, NextEra could be involved in the development and commercialization of SMRs if this act facilitates investments in advancing these technologies.
• GE (General Electric Company): GE has a strong involvement in the nuclear sector, including reactor technologies that could benefit from the shift towards SMRs.
• BE (Bloom Energy): Specializing in advanced energy technologies, they may engage in the development of new nuclear solutions, including SMRs, as the market evolves with this legislation.