WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced up to $13 million is available to industry through a new Advanced Nuclear Energy Licensing Cost-Shared Grant Program. The competitive funding opportunity will help to defray the cost of licensing fees for first movers attempting to bring advanced reactors to market.
“As demand for clean, reliable energy continues to grow, we need to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Nuclear Energy Dr. Michael Goff. “This program will increase regulatory certainty by joining together public and private funds to expedite the deployment and commercialization of both light-water and non-light water advanced reactor designs.”
Advanced nuclear reactors could offer many potential advantages over the current generation of nuclear reactors, providing communities across the nation an important option for clean, reliable electricity. They could also come in a range of sizes, adjust their electricity output to match demand, be flexible enough to pair with renewable generation, and benefit markets beyond electricity.
DOE is offering funding to support both earlier stage activities, such as review of white papers and topical reports prior to a formal license application being submitted to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), as well as review activities that occur after a formal license application has been docketed by the NRC. These activities could include NRC safety and security review and environmental review, among other activities.
Applications are due on April 8, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. ET. DOE anticipates announcing awardees later in 2025. Subject to appropriations, the funding opportunity will be open for a period of five years with up to $50 million available.
For more information on the Advanced Nuclear Energy Licensing Cost-Shared Grant Program and to apply for funding, please visit FedConnect.net.
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