US approves first small modular nuclear reactor design

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission certified a design for an advanced small modular reactor (SMR) for the first time.  NuScale Power's design has become the seventh reactor design cleared for use in the U.S., a move the Department of Energy said would equip the nation with a new clean power source and send emissions falling.  The NRC Commission voted to certify the design last July, following a final technical review. The rule takes effect on Feb. 21, allowing utilities to referenc