popular articles

ADVANCE Act: A New Era for Advanced Nuclear Reactors

The ADVANCE Act, signed by President Biden, aims to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, reducing regulatory costs and promoting international cooperation.
ADVANCE Act : Une Nouvelle Ère pour les Réacteurs Nucléaires Avancés.

Please share:

The ADVANCE Act, or Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy, represents a significant step forward for the US nuclear industry. Signed into law by President Joe Biden, this text aims to encourage and support the development and deployment of new advanced nuclear technologies. One of the flagship measures of this legislation is the simplification of the regulatory approval process by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which should reduce costs for companies wishing to license advanced nuclear reactor technologies. The law also provides for the creation of a prize to encourage the successful deployment of new-generation reactors. In addition, it mandates the NRC to improve its ability to qualify and license accident-tolerant and advanced nuclear fuels, essential for the future of nuclear power.

International Implications and Cooperation

The ADVANCE Act is not limited to American borders. It also supports the development of advanced nuclear reactors abroad. The NRC is encouraged to take the lead in international forums to develop regulations for these reactors, while the Department of Energy is tasked with improving its approval process for US technology exports, while maintaining strict nuclear non-proliferation standards. This legislation underlines the importance of international cooperation and collaboration between stakeholders to deploy advanced nuclear technologies on the scale needed to address climate change and energy security concerns.

Legislative progress

Introduced to the Senate in March 2023 by Senators Shelley Moore Capito, Tom Carper and Sheldon Whitehouse, with co-sponsors from a variety of political backgrounds, the ADVANCE Act passed the Senate on June 18 with an overwhelming 88-2 vote, having been approved by the House in May with 393-13. Tom Carper, chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, described the bill’s passage as a “major victory” for climate and energy security in the United States. President Biden stressed on social networks the importance of this legislation for American energy security, innovation and achieving a net zero emissions economy by 2050.

Impact and outlook

With the passage of the ADVANCE Act, the United States is positioning itself to be a world leader in the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors and innovative nuclear fuels. This law is designed to strengthen national energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create thousands of new jobs. It also aims to ensure the continued safety of this emission-free energy source. Small modular reactors and accident-tolerant fuels are key elements of this strategy, as they offer potential solutions to today’s energy challenges. Support for this legislation demonstrates the United States’ commitment to a sustainable and secure energy transition. This proactive approach, combined with enhanced international cooperation, is crucial to achieving global climate goals and ensuring clean, reliable energy for future generations. The next steps will be to monitor the impact of this legislation and encourage continued innovation in the nuclear sector.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The EPR of Flamanville symbolizes the challenges of French nuclear energy: delays, cost overruns, and loss of expertise. As the future shifts toward EPR2, the revival of this strategic sector remains fraught with uncertainties.
Argentine President Javier Milei has unveiled plans to build a modular nuclear reactor to address a 9% increase in energy demand in 2024, largely driven by the rise of artificial intelligence.
Argentine President Javier Milei has unveiled plans to build a modular nuclear reactor to address a 9% increase in energy demand in 2024, largely driven by the rise of artificial intelligence.
The Swiss government proposes lifting the ban on new nuclear power plants to offset the imminent loss of 29% of electricity supplied by aging reactors.
The Swiss government proposes lifting the ban on new nuclear power plants to offset the imminent loss of 29% of electricity supplied by aging reactors.
HD Hyundai and TerraPower collaborate on the Natrium project, a 345 MW nuclear reactor planned in Wyoming by 2030. This project represents a major step forward in the modular reactor sector to enhance the global energy transition.
HD Hyundai and TerraPower collaborate on the Natrium project, a 345 MW nuclear reactor planned in Wyoming by 2030. This project represents a major step forward in the modular reactor sector to enhance the global energy transition.
MAIRE S.p.A. and newcleo Holding launch Italy's first nuclear project under the Meloni government, featuring a 200 MWe advanced modular reactor.
Driven by favorable public policies and growing energy demand, the global nuclear energy market is projected to reach USD 44.71 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 2.9%. Major powers are intensifying investments in the sector.
Driven by favorable public policies and growing energy demand, the global nuclear energy market is projected to reach USD 44.71 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 2.9%. Major powers are intensifying investments in the sector.
Two American grants will finance studies on radioactive waste management and modular nuclear reactors in Bulgaria, strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting the country's energy objectives.
Two American grants will finance studies on radioactive waste management and modular nuclear reactors in Bulgaria, strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting the country's energy objectives.
The Flamanville EPR will be connected to the grid this Friday. After two decades of delays and cost overruns, this next-generation reactor marks a major milestone for French nuclear energy.
The Flamanville EPR will be connected to the grid this Friday. After two decades of delays and cost overruns, this next-generation reactor marks a major milestone for French nuclear energy.
Westinghouse and Aecon announce partnerships to develop AP1000 reactors in Canada, with an economic impact estimated at 20 billion CAD and thousands of jobs at stake.
EPH, a Czech group owned by Daniel Kretinsky, acquires a majority stake in Slovenske Elektrarne for 150 million euros, consolidating its presence in the European nuclear energy market.
EPH, a Czech group owned by Daniel Kretinsky, acquires a majority stake in Slovenske Elektrarne for 150 million euros, consolidating its presence in the European nuclear energy market.
Three associations withdrew from the public debate on the recycling of low-level radioactive metals in Fessenheim, citing a biased and unbalanced process.
Three associations withdrew from the public debate on the recycling of low-level radioactive metals in Fessenheim, citing a biased and unbalanced process.
The European Commission opens an investigation into Poland's public support for its first nuclear project, estimated at €45 billion, to ensure compliance with electricity market competition rules.
The European Commission opens an investigation into Poland's public support for its first nuclear project, estimated at €45 billion, to ensure compliance with electricity market competition rules.
NANO Nuclear and Digihost submit a proposal to NYSERDA to evaluate the integration of advanced nuclear technologies at a 60-megawatt energy site in New York State.
Standard Uranium engages Fleet Space Technologies to conduct multiphysics surveys combining ambient noise tomography and gravimetry. This project targets uranium-bearing corridors in the southwest of the Athabasca Basin.
Standard Uranium engages Fleet Space Technologies to conduct multiphysics surveys combining ambient noise tomography and gravimetry. This project targets uranium-bearing corridors in the southwest of the Athabasca Basin.
An independent economic analysis concludes that including nuclear energy in Australia's electricity market could yield substantial savings, with a cost reduction estimated at 44% compared to a scenario relying solely on renewable energy.
An independent economic analysis concludes that including nuclear energy in Australia's electricity market could yield substantial savings, with a cost reduction estimated at 44% compared to a scenario relying solely on renewable energy.
Iran surpasses critical limits, increasing uranium enrichment to 60%, while agreeing to stricter monitoring by the IAEA. This development heightens international tensions and revives diplomatic concerns.
Iran surpasses critical limits, increasing uranium enrichment to 60%, while agreeing to stricter monitoring by the IAEA. This development heightens international tensions and revives diplomatic concerns.
With over $1 billion in purchase orders in 2024, Candu Energy, a subsidiary of AtkinsRéalis, strengthens its Canadian nuclear supply chain by involving 350 local companies, supporting thousands of jobs and advancing the clean energy transition.
Poland confirms plans for its first nuclear power plant, scheduled to be operational by 2036, while unveiling projects for a second facility by 2040.
Poland confirms plans for its first nuclear power plant, scheduled to be operational by 2036, while unveiling projects for a second facility by 2040.
Two companies, Amentum and Multiconsult, have been tasked with assessing the feasibility of a modular reactor in Halden, marking a key step in Norway's ambition to address its growing energy deficit.
Two companies, Amentum and Multiconsult, have been tasked with assessing the feasibility of a modular reactor in Halden, marking a key step in Norway's ambition to address its growing energy deficit.
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom denounce Iran's increased uranium enrichment, deemed incompatible with civilian use, and call for negotiations to regulate its nuclear program.
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom denounce Iran's increased uranium enrichment, deemed incompatible with civilian use, and call for negotiations to regulate its nuclear program.
The Shimane 2 nuclear power plant in Japan resumed operations on December 7 after 13 years of inactivity. This second boiling water reactor marks a significant milestone in the country's energy revitalization.
The US regulator has validated the control system of the eVinci microreactor, paving the way for its autonomous operation. This innovative technology promises safe and adaptable energy without the need for constant monitoring.
The US regulator has validated the control system of the eVinci microreactor, paving the way for its autonomous operation. This innovative technology promises safe and adaptable energy without the need for constant monitoring.
Following recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Philippines is strengthening its commitment to nuclear energy, aiming to integrate this energy source into its energy mix by 2032.
Following recommendations from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Philippines is strengthening its commitment to nuclear energy, aiming to integrate this energy source into its energy mix by 2032.
The Beznau nuclear power plant, the oldest in Europe, will cease operations in 2033 according to its operator, Axpo. Greenpeace Switzerland demands an immediate shutdown to reduce environmental risks and prioritize renewable energy sources.
The Beznau nuclear power plant, the oldest in Europe, will cease operations in 2033 according to its operator, Axpo. Greenpeace Switzerland demands an immediate shutdown to reduce environmental risks and prioritize renewable energy sources.

Advertising