The US Department of Energy (DOE) has committed $900m to support the development and deployment of advanced Generation III+ small modular reactor (SMR) technologies.
The funding effort is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 and utilises resources from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
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It is aimed at catalysing the domestic nuclear industry and supporting the nation’s climate objectives.
The DOE’s funding is divided into two main categories. Tier 1, managed by the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), allocates up to $800m to assist up to two pioneering teams in deploying a first plant.
These teams, comprising a utility, a reactor vendor, a constructor and end-users/off-takers, will collaborate with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to integrate safeguards and security by design.
Tier 2, overseen by the Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), dedicates up to $100m to further encourage Gen III+ SMR deployments by addressing industry challenges such as design, licensing and supplier development.
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By GlobalDataThe DOE’s strategy is to leverage this investment to foster the safe and effective roll-out of advanced reactor technologies across the US.
It aims to support the private sector in creating a sustainable model for a fleet of Gen III+ SMRs that will contribute to environmental protection and community benefits and generate new employment opportunities.
With an estimated requirement of 700GW to 900GW of additional clean, firm power generation capacity by 2050 to achieve net zero emissions, the US views nuclear power as a viable solution.
SMRs, in particular, are recognised for their versatility, factory-style construction potential and scalability, making them suitable for applications including power generation, process heat and desalination.
US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm stated: “Revitalising America’s nuclear sector is key to adding more carbon-free energy to the grid and meeting the needs of our growing economy — from AI and data centres to manufacturing and healthcare.
“Thanks to the President and Vice President’s Investing in America agenda, the nation’s nuclear industry is poised to lead the world in innovative advanced reactor technologies, which will create high-paying jobs while providing the flexible and reliable clean energy we need to support a thriving clean energy future.”
In October 2024, the US DOE announced $1.5bn funding to upgrade the country’s power grid infrastructure.
