Bill > HR2813

This bill aims to support the development and commercialization of small modular reactors (SMRs), which are advanced nuclear reactors with a capacity less than 500 electrical megawatts that can be assembled in modules. The bill increases the electrical output thresholds for SMRs from 300,000 to 500,000 kilowatts and expands financial assistance eligibility for reactor technologies. A key provision establishes a new "Small Modular Reactor Commercialization and Industrialization Competitiveness Working Group" led by the Secretary of Energy, which will include representatives from multiple federal agencies. This working group will identify promising SMR technologies, assess the United States' ability to lead in SMR commercialization, recommend policy improvements, evaluate workforce readiness, and submit annual reports to congressional committees. The bill also directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Department of Energy to update their guidance to align with the new definitions of SMRs and microreactors (defined as advanced nuclear reactors with less than 50 electrical megawatts capacity). The overall goal is to enhance U.S. competitiveness in developing and manufacturing small modular nuclear reactor technologies, potentially supporting efforts to reduce carbon emissions and modernize energy infrastructure.