US nuclear regulators will now license reactor designs for 40 years, not 15

US nuclear regulators just extended the approval period for new reactor designs. These designs will now be certified for 40 years instead of 15, applying to both existing and future designs.

Building a nuclear power plant takes decades and costs billions. A 15-year design certification meant that by the time a plant was ready to operate, its design approval was already nearing expiration. This change removes a major regulatory hurdle for developers, making it easier to secure financing and plan for the long term. It also makes it more attractive to invest in new nuclear technologies, as the approval will last for most of a plant's operational life.