(AMPERA: Palm Beach Gardens, FL) — Shortly after the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) finalized its new regulation, 10 CFR Part 53, next-generation nuclear startup company, AMPERA, announced its goal to obtain NRC licensing for its subcritical, thorium-fueled reactors.
On Feb. 23, 2026, AMPERA submitted a formal letter to the NRC indicating its desire to begin the pre-application process for a factory-fabricated, containerized microreactor using advanced fuel forms and passive safety features, intended for modular deployment.
“With the NRC implementing Part 53, innovative, advanced nuclear concepts like ours can focus on licensing new technology rather than explaining how it is different from traditional nuclear systems,” says AMPERA founder and CEO Brian Matthews. “We are harnessing the power of AI to create a safeguards-by-design architecture in the development of one of the most energy-dense solutions that creates low-cost power and is rapidly deployable.”
AMPERA’s submission was made to and is awaiting response from directors of the NRC’s Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, and Division of Fuel Management…