popular articles

Washington allocates $900M to accelerate compact nuclear reactors

The U.S. Department of Energy reopens a $900M envelope to finance the construction of third-generation small modular reactors, aiming to rapidly expand national power capacity.

Please share:

The United States federal government has launched a new funding initiative to support the commercial deployment of advanced small modular nuclear reactors. The Department of Energy (DOE) has reissued a $900M call for projects to promote the deployment of Generation III+ small modular reactors (Gen III+ SMRs), responding to projected growth in national electricity demand.

The strategy is structured around two tiers. The first, known as “First Mover Team Support”, provides up to $800M to support two U.S.-based industry consortiums capable of building an initial SMR plant with a fleet deployment outlook. The second, named “Fast Follower Deployment Support”, allocates around $100M to address technical and administrative barriers, particularly in the areas of design, licensing, supply chain, and site preparation.

Deployment target by 2030

Applicants must demonstrate their ability to bring projects online by the early 2030s, relying on technologies mature enough to proceed with final design and construction phases. The funding call requires the formation of consortiums that include a U.S. electric utility, an SMR technology vendor, an engineering, procurement and construction contractor (EPC), and end-users or energy off-takers.

Selection criteria focus on economic viability, clarity of deployment timelines, the ability to contract power purchase agreements, and the strength of associated private financing. Awardees must also show tangible engagement with local communities and Tribal authorities, in accordance with regulatory and environmental obligations.

Industrial streamlining and standardisation

Through this programme, the DOE aims to establish a replicable market for nuclear technologies. Gen III+ SMRs are designed for serial deployment, supported by reduced size, modular factory construction, and compatibility with the existing U.S. nuclear infrastructure. The approach is intended to mitigate financial and operational uncertainties while boosting the domestic supply chain.

The programme aligns with recently enacted federal laws, including the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act and the Chips and Science Act. Funding is structured through milestone-based agreements (Other Transaction Agreements), with payments tied to the achievement of pre-negotiated project benchmarks. Each project must be co-financed by at least 50% through private or state partners.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

HYLENR Technologies has signed a memorandum of understanding with TakeMe2Space to test a low-energy nuclear reaction power solution aboard satellites designed for orbital computing.
Japanese researchers have assembled a rechargeable battery harnessing the chemical properties of uranium, aiming to convert stored depleted uranium into a strategic energy storage resource.
Japanese researchers have assembled a rechargeable battery harnessing the chemical properties of uranium, aiming to convert stored depleted uranium into a strategic energy storage resource.
The French government is pressing EDF and industrial players to reach a pricing agreement by summer, amid ongoing tensions over nuclear supply contracts.
The French government is pressing EDF and industrial players to reach a pricing agreement by summer, amid ongoing tensions over nuclear supply contracts.
Two small modular reactor developers begin preliminary engagement with the US nuclear authority, ahead of filing applications for distinct projects targeting industrial use cases.
Two small modular reactor developers begin preliminary engagement with the US nuclear authority, ahead of filing applications for distinct projects targeting industrial use cases.
Fortum continues preparations for new nuclear capacity in Finland and Sweden, selecting three suppliers after a two-year feasibility study.
NRG-Pallas will conduct irradiation tests necessary for qualifying materials and fuel of Kairos Power's modular reactor, a critical prerequisite for regulatory approval in the United States.
NRG-Pallas will conduct irradiation tests necessary for qualifying materials and fuel of Kairos Power's modular reactor, a critical prerequisite for regulatory approval in the United States.
Tokyo Electric Power Company will begin next week the removal of thousands of contaminated sandbags, stored since 2011 in the Fukushima Daiichi basements, using robots designed for high-radiation environments.
Tokyo Electric Power Company will begin next week the removal of thousands of contaminated sandbags, stored since 2011 in the Fukushima Daiichi basements, using robots designed for high-radiation environments.
Welding of the main reactor for Egypt’s El Dabaa nuclear power plant has been completed in Russia, marking a major milestone in the development of the country's first civilian nuclear programme.
Welding of the main reactor for Egypt’s El Dabaa nuclear power plant has been completed in Russia, marking a major milestone in the development of the country's first civilian nuclear programme.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has established a new agency to oversee nuclear energy, appointing Almassadam Satkaliyev as its head. This structure aims to enhance the country’s energy security and support its long-term nuclear ambitions.
The US Department of Energy allocated a $57 million loan to Holtec International to support the relaunch of the Palisades nuclear plant, which has been closed since 2022, to ensure compliance with NRC safety standards.
The US Department of Energy allocated a $57 million loan to Holtec International to support the relaunch of the Palisades nuclear plant, which has been closed since 2022, to ensure compliance with NRC safety standards.
Orano and Navoiyuran have signed a strategic agreement for the industrial development of the South Djengeldi uranium deposit in Uzbekistan, with the entry of Japanese company ITOCHU Corporation as a minority partner.
Orano and Navoiyuran have signed a strategic agreement for the industrial development of the South Djengeldi uranium deposit in Uzbekistan, with the entry of Japanese company ITOCHU Corporation as a minority partner.
Chubu Electric starts dismantling reactors at Hamaoka plant, marking a turning point in the management of its nuclear sector as Japan plans to gradually reintroduce nuclear energy into its energy mix.
Chubu Electric starts dismantling reactors at Hamaoka plant, marking a turning point in the management of its nuclear sector as Japan plans to gradually reintroduce nuclear energy into its energy mix.
President Emmanuel Macron has announced an additional delay for the commissioning of the first EPR2 reactors, now set for 2038 instead of 2035. This decision was made during a meeting dedicated to the nuclear program.
Engie has finalized a ten-year extension agreement with the Belgian state for the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear reactors, including a financial responsibility transfer related to spent fuel, following recent approval by the European Commission.
Engie has finalized a ten-year extension agreement with the Belgian state for the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear reactors, including a financial responsibility transfer related to spent fuel, following recent approval by the European Commission.
Tests on the concrete of the EPR2 Penly seawall have raised doubts about its compliance with safety standards, according to Mediapart and Reporterre. EDF and Eiffage contest these claims, asserting that the material meets technical requirements.
Tests on the concrete of the EPR2 Penly seawall have raised doubts about its compliance with safety standards, according to Mediapart and Reporterre. EDF and Eiffage contest these claims, asserting that the material meets technical requirements.
On Monday, President Emmanuel Macron will chair a Nuclear Policy Council focused on small modular reactors (SMRs) and uranium supply, within a global context of renewed interest in nuclear energy.
On Monday, President Emmanuel Macron will chair a Nuclear Policy Council focused on small modular reactors (SMRs) and uranium supply, within a global context of renewed interest in nuclear energy.
A group of technology and energy companies, along with 31 countries, has signed a pledge to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, supporting a strategic expansion of this energy source.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director-General, is visiting Niger to discuss nuclear cooperation. This visit comes at a time when the country, a major uranium producer, is experiencing internal political tensions.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director-General, is visiting Niger to discuss nuclear cooperation. This visit comes at a time when the country, a major uranium producer, is experiencing internal political tensions.
HD Hyundai and TerraPower have entered into a strategic partnership to optimise the manufacturing of Natrium reactor components. This collaboration aims to structure an industrial supply chain to accelerate their global deployment.
HD Hyundai and TerraPower have entered into a strategic partnership to optimise the manufacturing of Natrium reactor components. This collaboration aims to structure an industrial supply chain to accelerate their global deployment.
KHNP and Samsung C&T have signed an agreement to collaborate on international nuclear projects, aiming to strengthen their global competitiveness, particularly in the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific market.
KHNP and Samsung C&T have signed an agreement to collaborate on international nuclear projects, aiming to strengthen their global competitiveness, particularly in the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific market.
Orano has secured a €400 million loan from the European Investment Bank to finance the expansion of its Georges Besse II uranium enrichment plant at Tricastin, aiming to increase its capacity by 30% by 2028.
Framatome reaches a key milestone as the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) accepts to review its report on high burnup fuels for pressurized water reactors, aiming to enhance the operational efficiency of nuclear power plants in the United States.
Framatome reaches a key milestone as the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) accepts to review its report on high burnup fuels for pressurized water reactors, aiming to enhance the operational efficiency of nuclear power plants in the United States.
On March 7, approximately 100 cubic metres of radioactive coolant leaked into the containment rooms of the Olkiluoto 3 reactor in Finland. The incident, caused by human error during maintenance work, did not compromise nuclear safety.
On March 7, approximately 100 cubic metres of radioactive coolant leaked into the containment rooms of the Olkiluoto 3 reactor in Finland. The incident, caused by human error during maintenance work, did not compromise nuclear safety.
Jordan is developing its uranium industry with a feasibility study aimed at securing funding. A strategic partnership with a Kazakh company supports this initiative as the country seeks to exploit its resources locally.
Jordan is developing its uranium industry with a feasibility study aimed at securing funding. A strategic partnership with a Kazakh company supports this initiative as the country seeks to exploit its resources locally.

Advertising