Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 day ago
Terrestrial Energy seeks phased approval for 390 MW reactor plant
Terrestrial Energy has asked the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to approve a phased approach to building its reactor plant.
The proposal would let the company build and operate equipment such as turbines before the reactor receives a full nuclear license.
The reactor module would still need to complete the nuclear licensing process.
The company says a failure in the turbine building could not affect the reactor core.
A 390-megawatt plant is reportedly planned for Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, a US Army site.
The approach could reduce delays and financial risks, while the plant is intended to provide steady power for defense operations and other industrial users.
The regulator has approved some of the company’s earlier design and safety submissions, while a separate filing on reactor-grade graphite is still under review.
Terrestrial Energy has submitted a report to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission proposing that parts of its 390-megawatt-electric nuclear plant be built before the plant receives a full nuclear license.
The proposed approach would separate the nuclear module from non-nuclear equipment such as turbines and steam systems.
The company says the nuclear core can operate independently of the power-conversion systems.
The proposed plant is reportedly planned for Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.
The company says building the non-nuclear section on commercial timelines could reduce financing risks and allow it to generate revenue before the reactor is licensed.
- Who
- Terrestrial Energy submitted the report to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
- What
- It proposes building and operating non-nuclear parts of a nuclear plant before receiving a full nuclear license.
- When
- The report was submitted in 2026; the article does not give a specific filing date.
- Where
- The proposed plant is reportedly planned for Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.
- Why
- The company says the approach could reduce delays and financing risks and help speed deployment.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Approved Topical Reports establish foundational elements of the IMSR licensing basis that may be referenced in future applications without re-evaluation, reducing the scope of subsequent technical review
The IMSR Plant is small, modular and designed to supply low-cost, reliable, high-temperature heat and electricity for industrial applications, including data centers, and chemical and petrochemical supply
Terrestrial Energy submitted its Thermal and Electric Facility Topical Report to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The company’s separate technical submission on reactor-grade graphite was under review.
Terrestrial Energy aims to roll out commercial units during the decade.
- Plant capacity
- 390 megawatts-electric
- Proposed site
- Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
- Regulator
- US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- Company
- Terrestrial Energy
- Filing
- Thermal and Electric Facility Topical Report
Sources
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