House bill raises small modular reactor size limit to 500 megawatts

What does this do?

HR 2813 raises the official size limit for small modular reactors from 300 megawatts to 500 megawatts of electricity output. It also bars federal funding programs from automatically rejecting nuclear projects where a single reactor produces between 50 and 500 megawatts. A new multi-agency working group is established to study U.S. global competitiveness in building and manufacturing these reactors, with annual reports to Congress required through 2030.

Who does it affect?

Companies and researchers developing small modular reactor technology, nuclear manufacturing and construction workers, and communities that may host these plants are most directly affected. Electricity customers and utility companies could be affected long term if these reactors grow as a share of U.S. power supply.

Why does it matter?

Expanding the size definition changes which projects qualify for government funding and certain legal protections, removing a barrier some reactor designs faced when applying for support. The working group requirement means federal agencies across energy, defense, commerce, and foreign policy will coordinate on workforce, manufacturing, and industry-reshoring questions through at least 2030.

Where does it stand?