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NuScale’s NRC-Approved SMR Push Faces Long Timelines and Bigger Rivals

Multi-year permitting with lengthy construction extends the gap from design approval to meaningful revenue.

Overview

  • NuScale holds the first and only small modular reactor design approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
  • Early commercialization efforts include an inaugural project in Romania and a deal to supply the Tennessee Valley Authority with up to 6 gigawatts of capacity, positioning the company to be among the first to the U.S. market.
  • Meaningful commercial revenue is projected around 2030 if projects progress as planned, reflecting years of planning, permitting, and construction before operations begin.
  • Mordor Intelligence forecasts the global SMR market could triple by 2030, highlighting a sizable potential opportunity for early entrants.
  • Competition from larger, well-funded developers such as Rolls-Royce, GE Vernova, and Holtec International could challenge NuScale’s path to market and profitability.