Federal Fission Funding
DOE Initiative
In a significant move to bolster the domestic nuclear industry and support clean energy initiatives, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to provide up to $900 million in funding for the deployment of Generation III+ (Gen III+) Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies. This initiative is part of the current Federal Government’s Investing in America agenda and is supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, reflecting the administration's commitment to advancing nuclear power as a cornerstone of America's clean energy future.
Strengthening the Nuclear Industry
The funding aims to invigorate the U.S. nuclear sector by supporting the early deployment of advanced SMR technologies. These next-generation reactors are designed to be safer, more efficient, and versatile, capable of being deployed in all kinds of settings, from urban to remote locations. The modular design, factory-based construction, and established fuel supply chains aim to reduce overall project costs and accelerate deployment timelines.
"Today’s announcement will support early movers in the nuclear sector as we seek to scale up nuclear power and reassert American leadership in this critical energy industry. [We are] determined to ensure nuclear power—the nation’s single largest source of carbon-free electricity—continues to serve as a key pillar of our nation’s transition to a safe and secure clean energy future," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm.
Creating Jobs and Promoting Clean Energy
The Biden-Harris Administration's push to expand the nuclear energy sector is the most significant in nearly five decades. Nuclear power currently employs nearly 60,000 people directly and hundreds of thousands more indirectly across the country. By supporting the deployment of Gen III+ SMRs, the administration claims it will create new high-quality, union jobs and ensure that the benefits of these investments flow to disadvantaged communities.
[The Federal Government] “has spurred an unprecedented expansion in clean energy production," said Assistant to the President and National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. "Through his historic investment agenda and ongoing bipartisan leadership, we are continuing to grow and innovate our nation’s nuclear industry, which will help us meet our clean energy goals and create good-paying, union jobs across the country."
Meeting Clean Energy Goals
The DOE estimates that the U.S. will need approximately 700-900 GW of additional clean, firm capacity to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Nuclear power is positioned as a proven solution to meet this demand, particularly with the increasing needs of artificial intelligence, data centers, and reshoring of manufacturing. Establishing a committed orderbook of reactors in the near term is critical to accelerating technology learning and reducing deployment costs.
Funding Tiers and Opportunities
The DOE plans to offer funding in two tiers:
Tier 1: First Mover Team Support - Managed by the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), this tier will provide up to $800 million to support up to two first-mover teams of utility, reactor vendor, constructor, and end-users or power off-takers committed to deploying a first plant while facilitating a multi-reactor, Gen III+ SMR orderbook.
Tier 2: Fast Follower Deployment Support - Managed by the Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), this tier will provide up to $100 million to spur additional Gen III+ SMR deployments by addressing key gaps in areas such as design, licensing, supplier development, and site preparation.
Looking Ahead
The DOE anticipates releasing a funding solicitation in late summer/fall of 2024. An informational webinar for potential applicants is scheduled for July 9, 2024, and an in-person Industry Day will be held in August to facilitate partnerships among eligible applicant teams.
Promoting Equity and Environmental Justice
The projects supported by this funding are expected to engage meaningfully with communities and labor, invest in quality jobs, advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and contribute to the Justice40 Initiative. The strength of a proposal's community benefits, including its impact on equity and environmental justice, will be a key consideration in the application review process.
This announcement supports the Federal Administration's stated goal of growing the nuclear energy sector, achieving clean energy goals, and creating a sustainable, equitable energy economy. For more information, visit the Gen III+ Small Modular Reactor engagement webpage.
Wrap Up
With this significant investment, the U.S. Federal government claims it intends to increase its deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, ensuring a secure and sustainable energy future while creating thousands of high-paying jobs and fostering economic growth in communities across the nation.
Tentative Truncate
I maintain an optimistic outlook for our fission future. A tempered mind knows that when political winds blow away, federal funding dry’s up before it bears fruit. Smaller technologies and units can reduce the timeframe, but only regulatory reduction will truly unleash the fissile potential of American private industry and technological innovation.
Reject Bureaucracy
Opportunity Lurks where Responsibility has been Abdicated.