Last Energy Asks NRC to Start Foundation Work for a Microreactor on 44 Acres in Maxwell

Last Energy has asked the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for permission to begin early foundation work for a PWR-20 microreactor on a 44-acre property at 439 Mary Lane in Maxwell, Caldwell County. The NRC published a notice of the application in the Federal Register on Nov. 5. The submission is Part One of a two-part phased construction permit application. It includes a request for a Limited Work Authorization, which would let the company install permanent foundation elements before a full construction permit is issued.

The application is dated Oct. 20, 2026, and is the third version of a submission first sent to the agency on Sept. 21. It covers a single PWR-20 unit, a pressurized water reactor rated at about 20 megawatts electric. The NRC has received the request but not yet accepted it for docketing. According to the notice, the staff will begin a detailed technical review if it finds the request acceptable, and later notices will announce docketing and any opportunity for a hearing.