The Department of Energy has introduced a new pathway to expedite testing of advanced nuclear reactor designs.
In a request for applications, DOE said it is seeking companies that can construct and operate test reactors outside of the national laboratories. Submissions are due on July 21.
DOE Announces Accelerated Authorization Process for Nuclear Reactors
According to the agency, the nuclear reactors will not provide commercial power or services but will serve as research, development and demonstration of the technology.
DOE will select at least three proposals for approval to ensure that criticality can be achieved in each of the nuclear reactors by July 2026.
Interested parties may participate in an upcoming industry day to be held at the offices of the Nuclear Energy Institute in Washington, D.C., and online on Zoom. Registration for the event is open until Friday, June 20.
Establishing the US as a Global Nuclear Energy Leader
The program is in line with President Donald Trump’s Executive Order, Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy, which was signed in May to drive innovation and accelerate the domestic production of advanced nuclear technologies.
“For too long, the federal government has stymied the development and deployment of advanced civil nuclear reactors in the United States,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright commented. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are expediting the development of next-generation nuclear technologies and giving American innovators a new path forward to advance their designs, propelling our economic prosperity and bolstering our national security.”
