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AMPERA Submits Comprehensive Engagement Plan to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

On October 5, 2026, AMPERA, a pioneering company in the advanced nuclear sector, announced it has submitted a detailed Regulatory Engagement Plan to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This submission forms a crucial part of the pre-application stage for the licensing process as AMPERA gears up to submit its licensing application for a combined manufacturing and fuel fabrication facility by October 2027.

In what is considered a milestone for the company, AMPERA debuted its full-scale, 3D-printed nuclear reactor module in July 2026. This innovative reactor features a spherical monolithic gyroid core, crafted from silicon carbide, capable of operating for up to 30 years without the need for refueling. This design signifies a major leap forward in both efficiency and sustainability, pivotal in AMPERA’s goal to revolutionize energy production.

The recent submission aims to de-risk the regulatory review period by providing detailed insights into AMPERA's creative design features, methodologies, and technical analyses. The company has structured its Licensing and Commercialization Plan to align with the NRC's newly inaugurated Office of Advanced Reactors (OAR). The OAR is entrusted with the responsibility of crafting a regulatory framework that caters to the safe deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.

AMPERA’s engagement plan is comprehensive, covering reactor licensing under various segments of the Code of Federal Regulations. This integration is essential for supporting multiple nuclear material activities, such as fuel fabrication and reactor core manufacturing, with special focus on the evolving landscape of microreactor regulation. The company’s approach aims to navigate the upcoming regulatory changes effectively while ensuring a feasible path for the commercialization and global implementation of its technologies.

Brian Matthews, AMPERA's Founder and CEO, emphasized the importance of transparency in the licensing process, explaining, "Through this process, we will share technical details with regulators, protect our intellectual property, and bolster confidence in advanced nuclear technology." This collaboration with the NRC marks a significant step towards realizing AMPERA's vision for a commercial subcritical, thorium-fueled modular reactor system.

Unlike traditional light water reactors, AMPERA’s design utilizes a thorium-based fuel system in a subcritical configuration facilitated by an external neutron generator. This shift not only enhances operational control but also opens new avenues for innovative fuel cycle strategies. In a recent collaboration with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory announced on August 26, AMPERA is also delving into advanced nuclear fuel development, further solidifying its commitment to cutting-edge energy solutions.

In tandem with the technical developments, AMPERA has fortified its licensing team by appointing Michael Hamer as the Director of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. With an impressive 25-year background in nuclear power project licensing across various countries, Hamer's expertise will be invaluable as AMPERA strives to navigate complex regulatory environments. He, along with Dr. April Smith, AMPERA's Licensing Strategist, will spearhead licensing initiatives aimed at advancing the company’s "PowerNOW. NuclearNEXT." platform.

AMPERA operates at the forefront of the energy transition, advocating for innovative, scalable power solutions tailored for various sectors including data centers, defense, and maritime applications. By intertwining advanced manufacturing with artificial intelligence and next-gen nuclear technology, AMPERA’s vision strives for a future characterized by clean, sustainable, and abundant energy. The company’s proprietary Integrated Energy Architecture™ not only enhances power generation but also supports waste heat recovery, providing a comprehensive pathway towards energy transition.

As AMPERA enters this pivotal phase, engagement with regulators, stakeholders, and the broader community will be critical to their mission. As Dr. Smith asserts, "We are bringing differentiated technology to market. The NRC is willing to face the challenge, and we are looking forward to collaborating with them to realize this first-of-a-kind technology in the microreactor sector." With an ambitious outlook, AMPERA is set to redefine the nuclear landscape with its innovative approaches to power generation and regulatory compliance.