Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
Video recording of RIC2026 Technical Session: W12 Enabling the Safe and Timely Deployment of Microreactors: Meeting Critical U.S. Needs Through Innovation and Regulatory Readiness
Note: the subtitles are 90% accurate.
This panel will examine how the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is shaping a modern, risk-informed regulatory framework to accelerate the deployment of microreactors and other low-consequence nuclear technologies. NRC experts will present a high-level overview of the existing and proposed microreactor licensing frameworks, highlighting key objectives of these frameworks and how they provide flexibilities depending on customer needs. The session will also feature a range of stakeholder perspectives—including policymakers, industry leaders, and technology developers—who will discuss deployment models, use cases, and commercial drivers. The panel will conclude with an extended Q&A session, offering attendees a valuable opportunity to engage directly with regulators and innovators. Participants will gain insight into how the NRC is aligning regulatory processes with technological advancement to support the safe, efficient rollout of next-generation nuclear solutions.
SESSION CHAIR(S): Christian Araguas, Director, Division of Engineering, RES/NRC, Opening Remarks
SPEAKER(S):
William Kennedy, Senior Project Manager, Advanced Reactor Policy Branch, Advanced Reactors and Non-power Production and Utilization Facilities, NRR/NRC, Enabling the Safe and Timely Deployment of Microreactors Through Regulatory Innovation and Readiness
Marc Nichol, Executive Director, New Nuclear, Nuclear Energy Institute, Enabling Rapid High-Volume Deployable Reactors
Rita Baranwal, Chief Nuclear Officer, Radiant, Building Earth’s First Portable Mass-Produced Nuclear Reactor
Evan Pierce, Vice President, Site Development & Energy, Development for the Americas, EdgeConneX
Enabling the Safe & Timely Deployment of Microreactors: Meeting Critical U.S. Needs Through Innovation & Regulatory Readiness
SESSION COORDINATORS(S):
Maggie Chauhan, Project Manager, NRR/NRC tel: (301) 415-0365, e-mail: Maggie.Chauhan@nrc.gov
Video recording of RIC2026 Technical Session: W12 Enabling the Safe and Timely Deployment of Microreactors: Meeting Critical U.S. Needs Through Innovation and Regulatory Readiness
Note: the subtitles are 90% accurate.
This panel will examine how the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is shaping a modern, risk-informed regulatory framework to accelerate the deployment of microreactors and other low-consequence nuclear technologies. NRC experts will present a high-level overview of the existing and proposed microreactor licensing frameworks, highlighting key objectives of these frameworks and how they provide flexibilities depending on customer needs. The session will also feature a range of stakeholder perspectives—including policymakers, industry leaders, and technology developers—who will discuss deployment models, use cases, and commercial drivers. The panel will conclude with an extended Q&A session, offering attendees a valuable opportunity to engage directly with regulators and innovators. Participants will gain insight into how the NRC is aligning regulatory processes with technological advancement to support the safe, efficient rollout of next-generation nuclear solutions.
SESSION CHAIR(S): Christian Araguas, Director, Division of Engineering, RES/NRC, Opening Remarks
SPEAKER(S):
William Kennedy, Senior Project Manager, Advanced Reactor Policy Branch, Advanced Reactors and Non-power Production and Utilization Facilities, NRR/NRC, Enabling the Safe and Timely Deployment of Microreactors Through Regulatory Innovation and Readiness
Marc Nichol, Executive Director, New Nuclear, Nuclear Energy Institute, Enabling Rapid High-Volume Deployable Reactors
Rita Baranwal, Chief Nuclear Officer, Radiant, Building Earth’s First Portable Mass-Produced Nuclear Reactor
Evan Pierce, Vice President, Site Development & Energy, Development for the Americas, EdgeConneX
Enabling the Safe & Timely Deployment of Microreactors: Meeting Critical U.S. Needs Through Innovation & Regulatory Readiness
SESSION COORDINATORS(S):
Maggie Chauhan, Project Manager, NRR/NRC tel: (301) 415-0365, e-mail: Maggie.Chauhan@nrc.gov
