# The path to market for new nuclear reactors

- Show: [Catalyst](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst)
- Published: 2026-02-05
- Length: 34m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-02-05-the-path-to-market-for-new-nuclear-reactors

## Summary

Katy Huff, former Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy at the Department of Energy and current associate professor at the University of Illinois, explains the complex regulatory pathways for new nuclear reactors, distinguishing between meaningful milestones like construction permits and less significant ones like zero-power criticality tests. She details the NRC's current staffing shortages and political pressures, noting that while companies like Kairos Power, X-energy, and TerraPower are nearing construction permit decisions, the DOE’s goal of three reactors reaching criticality by July 2026 is an "extremely aggressive milestone" likely unachievable for full-power reactors. Huff assesses that the first new advanced reactors will likely come online around 2032, emphasizing the importance of factory-built microreactors and clear spent fuel storage plans for economic viability.

## Chapters

- [2:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-02-05-the-path-to-market-for-new-nuclear-reactors#t=140) Introduction: Katy Huff and the Nuclear Regulatory Process
- [4:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-02-05-the-path-to-market-for-new-nuclear-reactors#t=242) NRC Licensing Pathways: Part 50, 52, and 53
- [7:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-02-05-the-path-to-market-for-new-nuclear-reactors#t=436) Pre-Application Engagement and Design Certification
- [12:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-02-05-the-path-to-market-for-new-nuclear-reactors#t=769) NRC Staffing, Political Pressure, and Executive Orders
- [19:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-02-05-the-path-to-market-for-new-nuclear-reactors#t=1167) DOE Pilot Program and the Criticality Milestone
- [24:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-02-05-the-path-to-market-for-new-nuclear-reactors#t=1487) Microreactors, Part 53, and Radiant Energy
- [27:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-02-05-the-path-to-market-for-new-nuclear-reactors#t=1665) Identifying Real Signals: Construction Permits and Early Site Permits
- [31:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-02-05-the-path-to-market-for-new-nuclear-reactors#t=1882) Spent Fuel Storage and Waste Confidence Requirements
- [33:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-02-05-the-path-to-market-for-new-nuclear-reactors#t=2001) Timeline for First New Reactors and Future Deployment

## Topics

- [Certification & compliance](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/certification-and-compliance)
- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- NRC (other)
- DOE (other)
- Kairos Power (company)
- X-energy (company)
- TerraPower (company)
- Radiant Energy (company)
- Whole Earth (company)
- Valaratomics (company)
- Oak Ridge (other)
- Yucca Mountain (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [AM Rocket Engines and Space Nuclear Power with Omar Mireles](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-06-23-am-rocket-engines-and-space-nuclear-power-with-omar-mireles) (Additive Snack)

## Citing this page

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