DOE opens application process for next-gen nuclear technology funding

The U.S. Department of Energy announced on Wednesday it was accepting applications for up to $900 million in funding for next generation small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) technologies.

Part of the Investing in America agenda, the funding will support the domestic deployment of Generation III+ (Gen III+) technologies. Officials said they hope the funding will catalyze development of Gen III+ water small modular reactors to reinforce America’s nuclear leadership, while spurring the safe and responsible deployment of advanced reactor technologies across the country.

“Revitalizing America’s nuclear sector is key to adding more carbon free energy to the grid and meeting the needs of our growing economy—from AI and data centers to manufacturing and healthcare,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said. “Thanks to the President and Vice President’s Investing in America agenda, the nation’s nuclear industry is poised to lead the world in innovative advanced reactor technologies, which will create high-paying jobs while providing the flexible and reliable clean energy we need to support a thriving clean energy future.”

Officials said the funding will help the private sector establish a pathway to deploying a fleet of Gen II+ SMRs across the country that will advance environmental protection and community benefits, while creating jobs. The DOE estimates the U.S. will need approximately 700-900 GW of additional clean power generation capacity to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Wednesday’s announcement, officials said, would help the country meet those goals.

“Next-generation nuclear energy will play an important role in building the clean power sector of the future,” Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy John Podesta said. “Today’s funding will boost American innovation, bolster our national security, and tackle the climate crisis.”

The funding would be offered in two tiers. Tier 1, First Mover Team Support, would provide up to $800 million for milestone-based awards to support up to two first mover teams of utility, reactor vendor, constructor and end-users/off-takers committed to deploying a plant. Tier 2, Fast Follower Deployment Support, would provide up to $100 million to spur additional Gen III+ SMR deployments by addressing gaps in the domestic nuclear industry in areas like design, licensing, supplier development and site preparation.

“All across the country, we are seeing a muscular resurgence in American energy innovation – from bringing back previously shuttered nuclear plants to bringing online new technologies and new reactors. America’s nuclear industry is racing ahead because strong Biden-Harris policies are spurring billions in private sector investment into this critical technology, which will lower energy costs and create good-paying union jobs,” White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi said.

The post DOE opens application process for next-gen nuclear technology funding appeared first on Daily Energy Insider .