After nine years before federal regulators, General Electric has "the world's most technologically advanced reactor" ready for certification.

That description of the ESBWR, or economic simplified boiling water reactor, is from GE Hitachi chief executive Caroline Reda, who points out Nuclear Regulatory Commission certification paves "the way for the reactor's construction in the U.S."

Last week, NRC spokesman Scott Burnell said the final rule for certification of the ESBWR is before the commission for approval. There is no set date for commission action, he added in an email, "but the Commissioners are aware of the staff's aim of publishing the final rule (in the Federal Register) this fall."

The NRC's Michael Mayfield explains "utilities interested in new reactors can reference NRC-certified designs to simplify parts of their license reviews."

The NRC is reviewing two license applications referencing the ESBWR design. Detroit Edison is seeking a license for Fermi Unit 3 in Monroe County, Mich., and Dominion Virginia Power is seeking a license for North Anna Unit 3 in Louisa County, Va.

In April 2013, GE Hitachi agreed to guide Dominion through the process of applying for a combined operating license for a reactor engineered for the utility's site a few miles from the epicenter of the earthquake that shook the East Coast three years ago.

"We are introducing the safest reactor design on the market today," Reda said in announcing the agreement.

She said the deal will mean dozens of high-paying jobs for Wilmington. "You're talking about engineering jobs, project managers – a lot of people over the next two or three years to be working on this development agreement."

Dominion has not committed to build a reactor, GE Hitachi spokesman Christopher White said, explaining the utility will decide whether to build after it receives a combined operating license.

That license could come as early as next year, according to Fluor Corp., which will build the power plant – the third nuclear unit at North Anna – if Dominion decides to go ahead with the project.

Reda said GE Hitachi would be set for years of business fueling and servicing the reactor if it is built. "These reactors last for 60 years. ... That's a lot of manufacturing jobs."