With demand for reliable power rising alongside the growth of AI-driven data centers, small modular reactors (SMRs) are gaining renewed attention as part of a broader push to expand nuclear energy. On May 23, the federal government issued four executive orders aimed at accelerating SMR deployment and strengthening domestic nuclear capabilities.
The successful commercial deployment of SMRs will be key to increasing the supply of carbon-free, reliable power. But navigating feasibility studies, permitting and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing — especially on brownfield sites — presents a mix of opportunities and challenges.
Erika Grace, a project manager at Burns & McDonnell with 20 years of experience in environmental impact assessment and permitting, has led technical support on projects requiring compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Her work focuses on nuclear reactor licensing, including preparation of environmental reports for applicants and environmental impact statements for the NRC. We spoke with Erika about the state of licensing and permitting for SMRs, the potential role of brownfield sites, and how regulations are evolving to support nuclear energy.
A: NRC reactor licensing has traditionally been a long and rigid process, grounded in the framework developed for traditional light water reactors. That structure hasn’t always translated well to new technologies. But interest in SMRs and microreactors is driving momentum for reform.
Just last month, an executive order directed the NRC to reduce regulatory barriers and support advanced reactor deployment. While that’s promising, the commission has already been working on a new framework — 10 CFR Part 53 — through its formal rulemaking process. Even revising the process has proven slow, and the final rule isn’t expected until 2027.
The NRC has made notable strides in developing risk-informed and performance-based licensing approaches. Standardized designs and early approvals are helping reduce uncertainty. NuScale has now successfully secured NRC approval for two designs of its SMR while GE-Hitachi is actively engaged in pre-application activities with NRC for its BWRX-300 SMR.
That said, obtaining a license to construct and operate a new nuclear reactor remains an incredibly detailed and highly site-specific process. A successful path forward depends on engaging regulators, coordinating with communities, and assembling a multidisciplinary team that can handle the technical and regulatory demands.
A: Absolutely, we’re seeing increased interest in repurposing retired generation assets and brownfield sites can be a smart fit for SMRs. Many offer existing infrastructure — grid access, water availability and transportation connections — that can reduce both cost and complexity. They’re also often in communities that previously supported industrial or energy-related facilities, making them more receptive to redevelopment.
But there are hurdles. Environmental remediation is a major consideration. Developers need a full picture of site history, subsurface conditions, contamination risks and cleanup responsibilities. Regulatory coordination can get complicated, as you’re often dealing with overlapping jurisdictional issues.
Experience matters. Brownfield redevelopment requires deep knowledge of permitting, remediation, stakeholder engagement and long-term planning. By combining industry acumen with collaboration, these legacy sites can be transformed into resilient energy hubs that support a resilient, low-carbon future.
A: SMR innovation is pushing the regulatory environment to think differently — not just about technology, but also in how these projects are reviewed and managed. We’re seeing more open dialogue between industry and regulators, which is encouraging. The NRC is showing greater flexibility around modular construction, integrated systems and updated safety models.
For developers, staying agile is critical. Track regulatory changes, participate in public comment periods and start building a licensing strategy early. And be prepared to revisit and revise that strategy as the landscape shifts.
It’s also important to take the long view. Think not only about licensing and construction, but also about operations, security and decommissioning. Resilient SMR projects require a road map that balances technical feasibility, regulatory planning and early stakeholder engagement.
The most successful efforts will be those that anticipate change, stay proactive and design flexibility into every phase.
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