AMPERA Submitted Reactor Licensing Plan to NRC
The company has initiated the pre-application phase for its 3D-printed nuclear reactor module design.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Nuclear
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AMPERA has formally submitted a Regulatory Engagement Plan to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, marking a key step in the licensing process for its reactor technology. This effort follows the company's July 2026 unveiling of a 3D-printed reactor module.
Why it matters
The submission formalizes the pre-application phase for a technology that could alter reactor manufacturing and maintenance cycles. It signals a move toward regulatory vetting for modular nuclear designs built with advanced materials.
The reactor module, unveiled in July 2026, is constructed from silicon carbide and designed for a 30-year operational life without the need for refueling.
The players
AMPERA
A developer of advanced nuclear reactor modules headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, focused on 3D-printing and subcritical system designs.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
The independent U.S. agency responsible for regulating commercial nuclear power plants and other civilian uses of nuclear materials.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
A Department of Energy research facility specializing in advanced materials and nuclear fuel development.
Michael Hamer
The Director of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for AMPERA with 25 years of licensing experience and 16 years in applied health physics.
The details
AMPERA utilizes an external neutron generator—a device that produces neutrons to induce nuclear reactions—to initiate and sustain the operation of its subcritical systems. The company submitted documentation to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission detailing its design features, analytical methodologies, and operating principles. These materials form the basis of the pre-application phase as the firm prepares for the formal review process.
Timeline
July 2026: AMPERA unveiled its 3D-printed nuclear reactor module.
August 26, 2026: AMPERA and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory announced a strategic partnership for nuclear fuel development.
October 6, 2026: AMPERA submitted its Regulatory Engagement Plan to the NRC.
October 2027: AMPERA plans to submit a license application for its manufacturing and fuel fabrication facility.
The Tech Race
AMPERA's move places it within the broader competition to modernize the U.S. nuclear landscape through modular, non-traditional reactor designs. The filing follows the path set by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's advanced reactor licensing framework to standardize how new, 3D-printed components are vetted.
This development is an early-stage regulatory milestone and does not immediately affect power grids or energy pricing. The technology remains in the pre-licensing phase, meaning commercial deployment depends on future regulatory approvals and the successful commissioning of manufacturing facilities.
The takeaway
The company's focus on a 30-year refueling interval highlights the potential for reduced maintenance requirements in advanced modular systems. Stakeholders should monitor the October 2027 filing deadline for the company's manufacturing and fuel fabrication facility license.
What happens next
AMPERA is scheduled to submit its manufacturing and fuel fabrication facility license application in October 2027.
Further reading
For more on the status of reactor development in the United States, read our Nuclear section.
More information
For more details on the company's technical progress, visit the AMPERA company website.
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