Deployment Timescale
About
Deployment Timescale reflects how quickly a reactor design can progress from selection to operation and how predictable that process is for planners and project sponsors. Timelines matter because they shape investment decisions, system planning, and the ability to respond to changes in electricity demand or resource availability.
Rather than estimating specific in-service dates, Deployment Timescale indicators evaluate design characteristics that influence deployment pace and schedule reliability. Together, these indicators provide a structured basis for comparing how prepared different reactor designs are for deployment across a range of planning contexts.
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Indicator Breakdown
Weight 30%
Regulatory Engagement
Core question
To what extent has the reactor developer engaged with a recognized nuclear regulatory authority in the licensing process?
Regulatory Engagement measures the extent to which a reactor developer has engaged with a recognized nuclear regulatory authority in the licensing process. This indicator captures the completeness of design documentation, safety analysis, and licensing approach, including whether country-specific adaptations such as seismic, hydrological, or cybersecurity requirements have been addressed.
Coding rules
- 1 — Pre-application engagement or no application engagement
- 2 — In review
- 3 — Design certified
- 4 — Operational license
Weight 10%
Technology Precedent
Core question
Has the reactor design, or a sufficiently similar design, been certified anywhere in the world?
Technology Precedent measures whether the reactor design, or a sufficiently similar design, has been certified anywhere in the world. This indicator captures the extent of regulatory familiarity and learning with comparable systems, including the level of operational experience with specific similar key components: fuel, moderator, coolant, steam generation and power conversion, control systems, containment, novel safety systems (if applicable).
Coding rules
- 1 — Other designs certified with three or fewer similar key components
- 2 — Other designs certified with four or more similar key components
- 3 — Other designs operational with three or fewer similar key components
- 4 — Other designs operational with four or more similar key components
- 5 — All aspects of design certified
- 6 — All aspects of design operational
Weight 15%
Modularity
Core question
What share of total reactor systems can be manufactured off-site in controlled factory environments rather than constructed on-site?
Modularity measures the percentage of total reactor systems that can be manufactured off-site in factory settings rather than constructed on-site. This measurement reflects construction repeatability, schedule control, and reduced exposure to site-specific delays.
Coding rules
- 1 — Less than 60%
- 2 — 60%-80%
- 3 — Greater than 80%
Weight 15%
Specialization
Core question
To what extent do construction activities and components require lengthy qualification processes?
Specialization measures the amount of construction activities and components that require lengthy qualification processes. The RST generally considers a reactor to have a high amount of specialized construction when it has robust containment and cooling structures. Highly specialized components generally include exotic parts such as sodium-compatible instrumentation and valves, nuclear-grade heat pipes, helium circulators, and machinery rated for high temperatures. This indicator captures the degree of specialized labor, quality assurance, and inspection requirements that can add time and cost.
Coding rules
- 1 — High amount of specialized construction and components
- 2 — High amount of specialized construction, low amount of specialized components
- 3 — Low amount of specialized construction, high amount of specialized components
- 4 — Low amount of specialized construction and components
Weight 30%
Supply Chain
Core question
How mature and available are suppliers for key reactor components and fuel services?
Supply Chain reflects the availability and maturity of suppliers for key reactor components and fuel services. This indicator captures procurement readiness and the likelihood of bottlenecks during construction and commissioning.
Coding rules
Indicator score drawn from the reactor’s Supply Chain criterion score.
