Texas-based energy company Fermi Energy will see its massive Project Matador complex become the first project under the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) pilot programme aimed at slashing costs and delivery times for environmental reviews.

The NRC said that Fermi would be the first company to participate in the pilot programme, which aims to reduce environmental review times by around 50% and deliver savings of about 30%, while maintaining compliance with environmental requirements.

At this stage, the NRC has opened the project for public input, which helps it identify the most important issues and respond to any concerns.

The NRC said: “Fermi America is the first private company to participate in this pilot, setting a precedent for a more efficient, collaborative, and transparent environmental review process. Its Project Matador application seeks a combined licence to build and operate four AP1000 reactors at the site.”