NuScale Power: A First-Mover Advantage in Small Modular Reactors

NuScale Power is developing small modular reactor technology for scalable, carbon-free energy. The company has a first-mover advantage with US Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval for its 77 MWe design. With growing demand for energy, particularly from data centers, NuScale is well-positioned to meet the needs of the market. However, investing in NuScale requires patience as achieving commercial operations will take several years.

NuScale Power, a publicly traded American company, is at the forefront of developing small modular reactors (SMRs) for scalable, carbon-free energy. Headquartered in Tigard, Oregon, NuScale's innovative approach to nuclear power has garnered significant attention, particularly with the recent approval of its 77 MWe design by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) [1].

NuScale's technology stands out due to its patented innovations and passive safety features, which enable the reactors to operate without backup power. The company's VOYGR power plant, featuring 50 MWe modules, was the first SMR to receive NRC certification in 2022. Additionally, the newer 77 MWe module designs, VOYGR-4 and VOYGR-6, were approved in May 2025 [2].

The growing demand for energy, especially from data centers, positions NuScale favorably to meet market needs. Tech giants are increasingly exploring SMRs to power their American-based data centers, highlighting NuScale's potential. The company's design is unique, with no other manufacturer in America offering an NRC-approved SMR [3].

However, investing in NuScale requires patience. Achieving commercial operations will take several years due to the complex regulatory process and high upfront costs. For instance, the Carbon Free Power Project in Idaho, initially expected to cost $3.6 billion, ballooned to $9.3 billion, leading to its cancellation in 2023 [4]. Despite these setbacks, NuScale continues to negotiate contracts worldwide, including a project in Romania, and has secured partnerships with companies like Doosan Enerbility and RoPower Nuclear [5].

NuScale's journey has been marked by both challenges and successes. Founded in 2007 based on research funded by the US Department of Energy, the company has faced funding difficulties and staffing cuts. However, strategic investments from Fluor Corporation and the DOE have helped the company navigate these obstacles and progress towards commercialization [6].

In conclusion, NuScale Power's small modular reactor technology offers a promising solution for scalable, carbon-free energy. While the path to commercialization is fraught with challenges, the company's first-mover advantage and innovative design position it as a key player in the nuclear power sector.

References:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NuScale_Power
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NuScale_Power
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NuScale_Power
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NuScale_Power
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NuScale_Power
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NuScale_Power