Hadron Visits US Nuclear Regulatory Commission at Headquarters

On December 12th, Hadron Energy Founder Samuel Gibson visited the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) at their headquartered location. The purpose of the visit was to participate in the last advanced reactor stakeholder meeting of 2024. We discussed licensing and regulatory procedures for advanced reactors. Similarly, requirements for the ADVANCE Act Combined License Review Procedure were also covered.

These topics validated Hadron Energy’s understanding of the future of licensing microreactors. The Hadron Energy team is very thankful for the hospitality from the NRC and we look forward to seeing what 2025 has in store!

Overall, the NRC has many vital functions as an Agency. Main areas of concern include:

• Licensing and Regulation
• Safety and Security Oversight
• Inspection and Enforcement
• Research and Policy Development
• Public Engagement

Small Modular Reactor Company Receives $103.7M Debt Financing Opportunity

U.S. start-up Last Energy has received a tentative offer of $103.7M in debt financing from the Export-Import Bank of The United States to build its first micro-sized nuclear power plant in Britain. The company plans to construct four 20-megawatt micro reactors in Bridgend, Wales with the first potentially operational by 2027. Micro plants are gaining attention as a way to cut emissions while avoiding the high costs and lengthy timelines of larger nuclear projects. This financing would cover the full cost of a single plant installation.

Britain’s government sees micro and small nuclear plants as key to meeting its net-zero emissions target by 2050 and decarbonizing its power sector by 2030. However, the timeline for building many such plants is tight. The Export-Import Bank, which supports U.S. exports, issued a non-binding letter of interest for financing, which outlines potential terms but is not a final commitment.

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