Nuclear reactor designs get 40 years of regulatory approval, not 15

The US nuclear regulator wants to extend how long an approved reactor design can be used. This proposed rule would change the period from 15 years to 40 years for all designs, old and new. This means companies can build plants using the same design for much longer without needing new approvals, making long-term nuclear projects more predictable.

The previous 15-year limit meant that by the time a new reactor design was approved and a few plants were built, the certification was already nearing its end. This created uncertainty for future projects and added costs for re-certification. Extending the period to 40 years aligns better with the long investment cycles and operational lifespans of nuclear power plants. This change reduces regulatory risk and cost for developers of new nuclear power plants, especially for advanced designs that are just starting to be deployed.