New Agreement Opens Door for Offshore Nuclear Energy Development in the U.S.
The Marine Minerals Administration (MMA) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) have signed a memorandum of understanding. This agreement sets up a framework for how the two agencies will work together on potential offshore nuclear energy projects in the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf.
It's important to note that this agreement does not authorize any offshore nuclear projects yet. It simply outlines how the MMA and NRC will cooperate if developers decide to build commercial nuclear energy facilities in federal offshore waters. This will clarify their responsibilities and help with future licensing and oversight.
According to the MMA, the memorandum aims to ensure that any future offshore nuclear projects are developed safely and responsibly. It will improve communication between the agencies, clarify their jurisdictions, and provide clearer regulations for the industry. The agreement will also enable them to respond more effectively to proposals involving new offshore energy technologies.
This agreement comes as the Trump administration is trying to speed up the use of advanced nuclear technologies as part of a plan to boost domestic energy production and enhance energy security.
“Submerged reactor systems have been used safely in naval applications for years, showing their potential as a reliable energy source in challenging marine environments,” stated MMA Acting Director Matt Giacona. “While there are no plans or approvals for commercial projects on the Outer Continental Shelf at this time, this could significantly strengthen America’s energy security in the future.”
Giacona added that this agreement will help develop the technical skills, regulatory clarity, and interagency coordination necessary to assess whether offshore nuclear technology could be deployed on the Outer Continental Shelf, which covers about 3.2 billion acres of federal waters.
Jeremy Bowen, director of the NRC's Office of Advanced Reactors, mentioned that the memorandum formalizes collaboration between the agencies and creates “a clear framework” for licensing and overseeing any future offshore nuclear initiatives.
“By combining our expertise, we can provide clarity and confidence to future applicants and ensure the safe, secure, and efficient deployment of new nuclear technologies,” Bowen noted.
This memorandum follows a series of executive orders from the Trump administration focused on speeding up advanced nuclear reactor deployment, reforming nuclear reactor testing, and revitalizing the U.S. nuclear industry.
The announcement also highlights the federal government's recent reorganization of offshore energy oversight. Earlier this month, the Department of the Interior combined the former Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) to form the Marine Minerals Administration, streamlining the oversight of offshore energy and marine mineral resources.
While commercial offshore nuclear projects are still in conceptual stages, rising interest in advanced reactors, including small modular reactors and marine nuclear systems, has led regulators to start developing the necessary framework to evaluate future proposals.