NRC Submits Report to Congress on Licensing Frameworks for Fusion Energy Machines
In July 2025, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) submitted a new report to Congress on how the Commission can support licensing mass-manufactured fusion machines. The report was required by Section 205(c)(2) of the ADVANCE Act. The ADVANCE Act, signed into law on July 9, 2024, codified fusion-specific regulations in the US and streamlines the deployment of fusion. Section 205 of the Act tasked the NRC with studying how the agency could develop a regulatory framework for mass-manufactured fusion machines. The report, titled “Study on Risk-Informed, Performance-Based, Design-Specific Regulatory Frameworks to Support Licensing of Mass-Manufactured Fusion Machines”, includes the results of that study and the anticipated need for such guidelines and regulations.
Some of the key findings were:
- Risk-informed reviews: Tailor design reviews based on safety levels or use “substantial equivalence” to avoid redundant oversight.
- Production certificates: Certify manufacturing processes so companies can replicate approved designs efficiently and consistently.
- Codes and standards: Use established standards to ensure safety, reliability, and consistency across critical components.
- Consistency across jurisdictions: Align NRC and Agreement State frameworks to provide clarity for manufacturers and avoid fragmented rules.
The report reviews relevant regulatory approaches from other industries – ranging from the FAA’s certification of aircraft manufacturing, to the FDA’s medical device oversight, to the DOT’s vehicle safety standards. It also compares lessons from existing NRC frameworks to evaluate whether other regulatory models might serve as useful examples.
Looking ahead, the NRC will continue to monitor industry progress, track milestones that signal readiness for mass production, and consider the optimal timing for issuing new guidance or regulations. By drawing lessons from other industries, engaging with stakeholders, and prioritizing regulatory clarity, the NRC is preparing for safe, scalable, and innovative commercialization of fusion technologies. The FIA looks forward to continuing collaborating with the NRC throughout the process.
Below is the report:
