Pivotal discussions happened at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) headquarters this week. Public meetings were held for the NRC to seek input on proposed frameworks for accelerating the licensing of microreactors and other low-consequence reactors. This week will shape how technologies like Hadron’s 10 MWe microreactor are deployed.

Public comments are only open this week with draft regulations being issued February 2026. Hadron Energy was one of the only microreactor developers present in person which helped reinforce our commitment to early and often regulatory engagement.

Streamlined Microreactor Licensing Pathways

The NRC is drafting a new, risk informed rule to streamline the licensing process for microreactors by recognizing they are fundamentally different from traditional gigawatt-scale reactors.

The key changes under consideration include but are not limited to:

• Simplified performance based licensing process tailored for smaller factory fabricated microreactors
• New safety thresholds that allow alternative designs if public exposure remains below strict dose limits
• Updated environmental reviews and site flexibility enabling faster, more predictable deployment
• New frameworks for fuel transport, storage, and decommissioning specific to microreactors

Hadron Energy Is Shaping the Future of Microreactor Deployment

We are designing microreactors for modular deployment that deliver carbon free and resilient power to remote locations, industrial sites, and critical infrastructure.

Hadron’s Chief Executive Officer and Director of Licensing and Operations (Sam Gibson and Ryan Mott respectively) were in Rockville, MD this week attending the NRC meetings in person. By engaging early with regulators, Hadron is shaping industry frameworks that support the rapid commercialization of factory built microreactors.

This regulatory clarity brings Hadron one step closer to delivering safe, zero-carbon power where it is needed most. We are thankful for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission conducting microreactor meetings this week and encouraging a collaborative licensing process.

Follow along with our progress and stay up to date with the evolving nuclear energy industry. We can be contacted on LinkedIn or at the Hadron Energy website!