NuScale Power

NuScale Power Corporation
Company type	Public
Industry	Nuclear power, Small modular reactors
Founded	2007
Headquarters	Tigard, Oregon, United States
Key people	John Hopkins (CEO)
Products	Small modular reactors (SMRs), VOYGR power plant modules
Number of employees	Approximately 220 (after 154 layoffs in 2023 from about 374) (2023)

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article NuScale Power, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 7 August 2025

NuScale Power Corporation is a publicly listed American enterprise focused on the development and commercialization of small modular reactor (SMR) technology, with its headquarters located in Tigard, Oregon. Their VOYGR power plant utilizes 50 MWe modules, which can be expanded up to 12 units, totaling 600 MWe. This design became the first SMR to gain certification from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in 2022. In May 2025, the NRC approved updated 77 MWe module variants—VOYGR-4 (308 MWe) and VOYGR-6 (462 MWe). NuScale is currently pursuing NRC authorization for the 12-module VOYGR-12 configuration, which can scale up to 924 MWe. As of 2025, it remains the sole US company with an NRC-certified SMR.

The NuScale Power Modules are contained within reactor vessels measuring in diameter and height, employing traditional cooling methods and low enriched uranium fuel derived from established light water reactor principles. In configurations with 12 modules, each is submerged separately in individual wells inside a common reservoir holding 10 million gallons of water at a depth of 75 feet, all shielded by concrete. A natural convection coolant loop serves all modules collectively and can supply fresh water during emergency scenarios without relying on electric pumps.

Initially, NuScale intended to construct reactors in Idaho by 2030; however, this plan was abandoned in 2023 due to escalating costs—from an estimated $3.6 billion to $9.3 billion for the first VOYGR facility. The company is actively negotiating contracts internationally, including a project underway in Romania. Additionally, there is increasing interest from technology firms seeking dependable power solutions for US data center operations. NuScale’s design continues to be the only SMR approved by the NRC in the United States and incorporates numerous patented technological advancements.

In June 2025, NuScale revealed research highlighting their plants’ capabilities beyond electricity generation, including clean water production through reverse osmosis and hydrogen generation. Modeling results suggest that a single NuScale Power Module can produce approximately 150 million gallons of purified water daily without emitting CO₂. A full 12-module installation could provide desalinated water sufficient for 2.3 million people, generate 200 metric tons of hydrogen per day, or supply excess electricity to power around 400,000 households.

History

NuScale’s origins trace back to research sponsored by the United States Department of Energy (DOE), carried out by nuclear scientists at Oregon State University (OSU) and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) beginning in 2000. The initial commercial SMR concept was developed in 2007 by OSU researchers led by José N. Reyes Jr., serving as the foundation for NuScale’s prototype design. Much of this work was conducted at OSU’s Multi-Application Small Light Water Reactor (MASLWR) test facility, with full-scale prototype evaluations performed at INL. DOE provided funding support from 2000 through 2003.

The MASLWR test facility at OSU was constructed at one-third scale in 2007—the same year NuScale Power was established and initiated collaboration with OSU researchers. Intellectual property rights were exchanged between the university and company in return for equity stakes in NuScale. Their initial financing round took place in January 2008, followed closely by submission of their first Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) certification application in February.

By 2011, NuScale had secured $35 million in capital and employed around 100 personnel spread across offices in Tigard, Richland, and Corvallis. The company was pioneering as the first to submit small reactor designs for NRC review and ultimately became the first to obtain approval. The design underwent assessment by a utility consortium known as Energy Northwest.

Challenges in Financing and Recovery

In early 2011, Kenwood Group, NuScale's principal investor, became subject to an investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and subsequently admitted guilt for running a Ponzi scheme. While Kenwood's misconduct was unrelated to its involvement with NuScale, the freezing of Kenwood’s assets occurred at a critical time when NuScale was anticipating further capital. Consequently, NuScale implemented workforce reductions and salary cuts, dismissing the majority of its staff while actively pursuing new sources of funding.

By September of that year, NuScale obtained a loan that allowed it to rehire 60 personnel. The following month, Fluor Corporation acquired a controlling interest for $3.5 million and pledged nearly $30 million in operational capital, effectively stabilizing the company after financial setbacks tied to its former investor. In addition, Fluor secured the rights to build power plants based on NuScale’s technology.

In August 2012, Rolls-Royce Holdings committed to supporting NuScale’s efforts toward commercialization and aiding in obtaining funding from the DOE. Later that year, John Hopkins replaced co-founder Paul G. Lorenzini as CEO. Although NuScale did not receive funding in the DOE’s initial round, by December 2013 it had secured up to $226 million in cost-sharing funds via the SMR Licensing Technical Support initiative. This was followed by a May 2014 agreement promising up to $217 million over five years, with DOE matching private sector investments.

By September 2020, the U.S. Department of Energy had contributed more than $400 million since 2014 to back NuScale’s development along with other domestic SMR projects.

Public Offering Launch in 2022

In December 2021, Fluor Corporation disclosed that it had invested over $600 million in NuScale since 2011 and anticipated taking the company public in 2022, retaining approximately 60% ownership post-IPO. In May 2022, NuScale finalized a merger with SPAC Spring Valley Acquisition Corp, securing $380 million in capital and commencing trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

Carbon Free Power Project in Idaho

In November 2014, NuScale revealed intentions to construct the United States’ first SMR at the Idaho National Laboratory for Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) as part of the Carbon Free Power Project (CFPP). UAMPS manages power generation facilities across multiple states and supplies electricity to local utilities. The DOE considered providing around $140 million annually over a decade, contingent on Congressional approval.

NuScale submitted design proposals in January 2017 for a facility comprising twelve reactors capable of generating 570 MWe at a construction cost below $3 billion. In 2020, the DOE approved a cost-sharing award amounting to $1.355 billion. By 2021, eight municipalities had withdrawn from CFPP; consequently, in July 2021, the project was scaled down to six reactors with an anticipated electricity cost of $58 per MWh.

In April 2022, Doosan Enerbility initiated production of power module components for CFPP in South Korea, aiming for full manufacturing capacity by late 2023.

As of January 2023, CFPP endorsed a revised budget targeting an electricity price of $89 per MWh following an estimated subsidy of $30 per MWh from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The projected construction cost escalated to $9.3 billion for a reduced capacity of 462 MWe compared to $3.6 billion for 720 MWe estimated in 2020. Support from DOE and IRA would cover $4.2 billion, leaving UAMPS members responsible for approximately $5.1 billion.

In November 2023, UAMPS announced that due to insufficient subscription levels driven by rising expenses, it would cancel the project jointly with NuScale. Prior to cancellation, the project had received $232 million in DOE funding. Following this decision, NuScale reduced its workforce by laying off 154 employees—about 28%—as it shifted its focus from research and development toward commercialization efforts.

Additional deployment milestones

In March 2012, NuScale entered into an agreement with the Department of Energy (DOE) to construct and operate a nuclear power facility based on NuScale technology at the Savannah River site in South Carolina. The following month, Energy Northwest selected NuScale as the preferred small modular reactor (SMR) technology after thorough evaluation, although no immediate plans for construction were announced.

By July 2013, NuScale initiated Program WIN (Western Initiative for Nuclear) aimed at showcasing reactor deployments across the western United States, with a goal to establish the first plant by 2024.

As of January 2018, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) validated that NuScale’s passive safety mechanisms enable reactor operation without reliance on backup power sources. In August 2020, the NRC issued its final safety evaluation report affirming that the design complies fully with regulatory safety standards.

In November 2021, NuScale revealed intentions to develop its inaugural reactors in Romania in partnership with Nuclearelectrica, targeting completion by 2028. Subsequently, in February 2022, NuScale collaborated with mining giant KGHM to build an SMR in Poland slated for 2029; a decision-in-principle application was filed in April 2023.

On December 28, 2022, Romanian joint venture RoPower Nuclear—formed by Nuclearelectrica and Nove Power & Gas—secured a contract for Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) work at the Doicesti site.

January 2023 saw the NRC certify NuScale’s 50 MWe VOYGR design for deployment within the United States. Revised designs for larger modules producing 77 MWe and multi-reactor configurations (VOYGR-4 and VOYGR-6) were resubmitted; following responses to NRC requests for additional information, final evaluation is anticipated by July 2025. By May 2025, NuScale received NRC licensing approval for the uprated 77 MWe module along with new plant layouts.

On July 25, 2024, RoPower Nuclear partnered with Fluor Corporation under a FEED 2 contract to update cost projections for Romania’s SMR project in preparation for a final investment decision. The Export–Import Bank of the United States authorized a $98 million loan to RoPower Nuclear to fund this study, supporting approximately 400 American jobs.

During the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit held in Nairobi on August 29, 2024, Nuclear Power Ghana and Regnum Technology Group formalized an agreement to construct a NuScale nuclear power plant comprising twelve modules. In January 2025, Ghana inaugurated an SMR simulator training center designed to equip future operators with necessary skills.

NuScale submitted its VOYGR-12 design—a twelve-module reactor configuration totaling 924 MWe—for NRC approval in 2023; this application remains under review as of 2025.

Reactors

NuScale reactors require only about one percent of the land area compared to traditional nuclear plants while delivering an output of approximately 77 MWe. The system utilizes light water both as a coolant and working fluid, with the nuclear core situated at the bottom heating water that circulates through steam generators to produce steam which drives dedicated turbine generator units.

Each initial NuScale Power Module measures roughly in diameter and stands tall, with a weight of . These modules are prefabricated off-site and transported via rail, barge, or truck before being assembled at their final location. The most recent NRC-certified module produces a gross output of 77 MWe (approximately 73.5 MWe net), operating on standard low-enriched uranium-235 fuel enriched to about 4.95%, with refueling intervals set every two years.

The design notably omits powered pumps or circulatory machinery for coolant flow. In most accident scenarios, these Power Modules can autonomously shut down and maintain cooling indefinitely. They are housed in subterranean pools engineered to mitigate seismic impacts and are sealed with concrete lids. Should power loss occur, heat is absorbed by pool water which boils off passively, providing at least seventy-two hours of cooling without operator intervention.

During standard operation, pressure within the containment vessel is maintained near vacuum levels. This condition facilitates efficient heat transfer, minimizes corrosion risks, and enhances reliability of instrumentation systems.

Modules are installed individually within separate bays inside the reactor pool, each isolated by concrete partitions. For refueling procedures, reactors are maneuvered underwater through a transfer channel into an adjacent pool equipped with refueling apparatus. An additional bay is reserved for maintenance activities or spare module storage. In facilities housing twelve reactors, bays are arranged in two rows of six modules each with the transfer channel positioned centrally between them.

Comparative Analysis

NuScale is set to become the first small modular reactor (SMR) from the United States to enter the market, utilizing technology akin to that of traditional power plants. The firm projects that a NuScale facility with twelve units would cost approximately $4,200 per kilowatt, a reduction from their prior estimate of $5,000 per kilowatt. For context, the Energy Information Administration in 2013 estimated overnight expenses at $4,700 per kilowatt for conventional nuclear plants, $4,600 for coal plants equipped with carbon capture and storage, and between $931 and over $1,800 for natural gas plants depending on carbon capture implementation (all figures in 2011 dollars). David Mohre of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association highlighted that SMRs such as NuScale’s design are particularly advantageous for rural regions requiring smaller-scale power generation.

Compared to traditional energy sources, NuScale’s reactors demand less construction time, fewer materials, and reduced footprint, with the ability to expand capacity incrementally based on energy needs. Their innovative design incorporates steam generators housed within a transportable steel reactor module, removing the necessity for expansive concrete secondary containment structures typical of large pressurized water reactors. A single control room has the capability to oversee up to twelve reactor modules. However, these reactors are submerged in a sizable water pool for emergency cooling purposes, which leads to higher reinforced concrete usage per megawatt electric than conventional reactors, thereby elevating construction costs.

A peer-reviewed study from Stanford University featured in New Scientist reported that SMRs produce a greater volume of nuclear waste compared to standard commercial reactors. NuScale has challenged these conclusions, asserting that the data referenced is outdated.

Other key players competing in the SMR sector include Babcock & Wilcox, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, Gen4 Energy, Holtec International, Intellectual Ventures, OPEN100, Westinghouse Electric Company, Terrestrial Energy, and X-energy.

Safety Considerations

In March 2020, the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission identified certain design vulnerabilities in NuScale’s reactor. A significant concern involved emergency shutdown scenarios where condensed steam returning to the reactor vessel could be deficient in boron, thereby diminishing neutron absorption efficiency. In response, NuScale updated its design to enhance boron concentration in the recirculating water. The committee also expressed apprehension about operators potentially introducing deboronated water and noted the risk of harmful vibrations occurring within the steam generator. Despite these issues being raised, on 29 July the ACRS recommended proceeding with issuing the safety evaluation report and granting certification for the reactor.

Operations

NuScale maintains its corporate headquarters in Tigard, Oregon, with manufacturing facilities located in Corvallis, Oregon. Additional offices operate in Charlotte, North Carolina and Rockville, Maryland. The company also runs testing sites at Oregon State University and in Italy. NuScale is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SMR.

External links

Comprehensive overview of NuScale technology in Power Magazine