The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a Notice of Intent to allocate up to $900 million to support the initial deployments of Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technologies in the United States. This funding, partially enabled by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to strengthen the domestic nuclear industry and stimulate further reactor projects crucial for achieving national clean energy and climate objectives.
"President Biden is 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. "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."
Ali Zaidi, Assistant to the President and National Climate Advisor, stated, "President Biden has spurred an unprecedented expansion in clean energy production – and 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."
Nuclear power remains a significant source of carbon-free electricity in the U.S., directly employing nearly 60,000 individuals nationwide with hundreds of thousands more indirectly involved. The Biden-Harris Administration's actions mark one of the most substantial efforts to support civil nuclear deployment in almost fifty years.
According to DOE estimates, approximately 700-900 GW of additional clean capacity will be needed by 2050 for net-zero emissions. Nuclear power is seen as a viable option for meeting this demand while creating high-paying jobs that benefit communities affected by the energy transition.
SMRs offer versatile deployment options due to their small footprint, modular design, factory-based construction, and established fuel supply chains—all contributing factors that reduce project costs. These reactors can address localized power demands or complement renewable sources.
The funding initiative comprises two tiers:
Tier 1: First Mover Team Support managed by the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), which plans to provide up to $800 million for utility teams committed to deploying initial plants while facilitating a multi-reactor Gen III+ SMR orderbook.
Tier 2: Fast Follower Deployment Support managed by the Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), which plans up to $100 million aimed at overcoming barriers such as design issues, licensing challenges, supplier development gaps, and site preparation needs.
DOE anticipates releasing a funding solicitation in late summer or fall 2024. More information can be found on their Gen III+ Small Modular Reactor engagement webpage. Interested parties may register for an informational webinar scheduled for July 9, 2024.
Additionally, DOE will host an Industry Day event in August focused on fostering partnerships among eligible applicants including utilities, reactor vendors, constructors end-users/off-takers due to space constraints.
Projects under this initiative are expected to support community engagement; invest in quality jobs; promote diversity equity inclusion accessibility; and contribute towards ensuring that 40% of federal investment benefits reach disadvantaged communities per Justice40 Initiative guidelines.
Further details on how OCED NE Department Pathways Advanced Nuclear Commercial Liftoff report supports research development demonstration deployment technologies helping U.S reach net-zero emissions goal by 2050 can be accessed via their respective platforms.
