AMPERA Moves Toward Commercial Licensing for 3D-Printed Microreactors

The company’s strategy involves coordinating directly with the NRC’s Office of Advanced Reactors to streamline the review of its 3D-printed, silicon carbide reactor cores. These modules, unveiled in July 2026, are designed for a 30-year operational life without the need for refueling. By integrating regulatory requirements across 10 CFR Parts 40, 53, 70, and 71, AMPERA intends to create a flexible pathway for deploying its technology across diverse industrial and defense sectors.

To manage this complex transition, the firm has appointed Michael Hamer as Director of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Hamer joins Licensing Strategist Dr. April Smith to lead the engagement, bringing over two decades of international nuclear project experience. This team will oversee the rollout of the PowerNOW. NuclearNEXT platform, which relies on an external neutron generator to maintain subcritical operations. This design, recently bolstered by a partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, offers a departure from traditional light water reactors by utilizing thorium-based fuel cycles for enhanced control.