NuScale Power: a new approach to commercial nuclear power

In 2003, Oregon State University, in collaboration with the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, and Nexant-Bechtel, completed a project to develop a preliminary design for an innovative reactor called the 'Multi-Application Small Light Water Reactor', or 'MASLWR'. The final results were published by the project sponsor, the U.S. Department of Energy, at which point further funding was discontinued. Since then Oregon State University continued to advance the concept with proprietary modifications for which patents are currently being sought. In 2007, NuScale Power Inc. was formed to commercialize the concept, and MASLWR was renamed to the NuScale Plant to reflect the significant improvements made to the original design. In early 2008, NuScale Power notified the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission of its intent to begin Pre-Application discussions aimed at submitting an application for Design Certification of the NuScale Plant in 2010.