Nuclear technology developer Terra Innovatum Global N.V. announced new significant milestones in the licensing process for its SOLO™ micro-modular reactor, in collaboration with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). These advances are part of a strategy aimed at accelerating the approval for construction and commercial operation of the reactor.
Sustained dialogue despite federal obstacles
During the last quarter of 2025, the company held more than ten meetings, both in person and online, with the NRC, despite the partial shutdown of federal agencies. These engagements allowed Terra Innovatum to submit several key technical reports for regulatory review, including documents on the module architecture, reactor core design, emergency planning, and a pre-deployment test programme.
One of the key submissions addresses SOLO™’s ability to operate using low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel containing less than 5% U-235, utilising zircaloy cladding—a material with decades of operational history in commercial reactors. This approach aims to limit fuel qualification and supply chain risks.
A regulatory approach tailored to microreactors
The company also submitted a report on the Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ), supporting the elimination of a safety perimeter beyond the reactor’s operational boundary due to its low-consequence safety profile. Additionally, a white paper on the first deployment site, Rock City Admiral Parkway, was shared, detailing site selection criteria and associated regulatory and environmental considerations.
Another report focused on the reactor’s defence-in-depth strategy, outlining redundant and diverse safety mechanisms embedded in the design to ensure system robustness. Terra Innovatum also plans to submit a preliminary version of its safety analysis report (PSAR) to support its upcoming construction permit application.
A modernised regulatory framework in development
The SOLO™ licensing process is advancing in parallel with efforts by the NRC to develop a regulatory framework dedicated to microreactors and other inherently safe technologies. A proposed rule is expected to be released for public consultation by the end of February.
Terra Innovatum’s head of regulatory affairs stated that the SOLO™ design has been aligned from inception with the direction of nuclear regulatory modernisation, allowing the company to anticipate NRC requirements and structure its licensing approach accordingly.
