Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. – October 05, 2026 -- AMPERA has submitted a comprehensive Regulatory Engagement Plan to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with plans to file its combined manufacturing and fuel fabrication facility license application by October 2027.
AMPERA targets October 2027 for combined reactor and fuel facility license filing
The submission marks the pre-application phase of the NRC licensing process for AMPERA's advanced reactor technology. The company is providing regulators with detailed design features, methodologies and analysis intended to accelerate and de-risk the review period ahead of the 2027 filing.
Plan spans four federal regulatory parts covering reactor and fuel activities
AMPERA's engagement plan is integrated across 10 CFR Parts 40, 53, 70 and 71, covering nuclear material activities, fuel fabrication, reactor core manufacturing and module deployment to multiple sites. The company states this structure gives it flexibility to pursue the most efficient licensing path for commercialization and global deployment as rulemaking for advanced microreactor technology evolves.
Strategy aligns with NRC's newly established Office of Advanced Reactors
AMPERA's licensing and commercialization plan is built around the NRC's Office of Advanced Reactors (OAR), which oversees an integrated regulatory approach for deploying advanced reactor technologies. CEO Brian Matthews said the process will allow the company to share technical details with regulators while protecting its intellectual property and building confidence in its commercial subcritical, thorium-fueled, modular system.
AMPERA's design uses thorium fuel and an external neutron generator for subcritical operation
Unlike conventional light water reactors, AMPERA's system relies on thorium-based fuel and a subcritical operating approach, using an external neutron generator to initiate and sustain operation. The company says this adds an additional layer of operational control and enables alternative fuel cycle approaches.
Lawrence Livermore partnership, announced August 26, backs fuel development
AMPERA and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory announced a strategic partnership for advanced nuclear fuel development on Aug. 26. Licensing Strategist Dr. April Smith said the NRC has shown willingness to engage with the first-of-a-kind microreactor technology.
Michael Hamer joins as Director of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs
AMPERA has added Michael Hamer, a graduate of the U.S. Navy Nuclear Program, as Director of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs. Hamer brings more than 25 years of nuclear power licensing experience across the U.S., South Korea, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Poland and Canada, along with over 16 years in applied health physics. Hamer and Dr. Smith will lead AMPERA's licensing activities under its "PowerNOW. NuclearNEXT." platform.