Pathway 5.

Electricity Decarbonization → Nuclear Energy

5.4.6 Funding Nuclear Innovation

LPDD Recommendation: “Congress could increase DOE funding (supplementing private venture capital) to support development and testing of new reactor technologies, as well as detailed design engineering and NRC licensing.”

LPDD Recommendation: “Congress should consider direct public funding or public-private partnerships to develop, license, and deploy small modular reactors and advanced non-light water reactor technologies.”

7 Resources Found, Displaying 1 thru 7

FOA, US Industry Opportunities for Advanced Nuclear Technology Development

Jurisdiction: Individual Agencies, Private Entities

Multiple domestic advanced nuclear technology projects funded by DOE, totaling $195 million.

Congressional Appropriations for Nuclear Energy Research

Jurisdiction: Congress

Congressional appropriations for fiscal year 2019 approved $1.33 billion in funding for DOE’s nuclear energy research, development and deployment programs.

DOE Grants for Advanced Nuclear Research

Jurisdiction: Individual Agencies

In 2017, DOE announced nearly $67 million in grants awarded towards advanced nuclear energy research from a series of funding programs.

DOE’s Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear program

Jurisdiction: Individual Agencies

Seeks to provide the nuclear community with access to the technical, regulatory, and financial support necessary to move innovative nuclear energy technologies toward commercialization.

Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act

Jurisdiction: Congress

Called for construction of a fast neutron source for testing advanced technologies. The U.S. currently lacks such a facility, forcing companies to look overseas to test certain reactor designs.

Report, Exploring the Role of Advanced Nuclear in Future Energy Markets

Jurisdiction: Congress, States and State Governments, Local Governments

Developed a modeling study to inform nuclear R&D, future modeling research, and technology developers’ priorities as well as policy discussions at local, regional, and national levels.

Proposed Nuclear Energy Leadership Act of 2018

Jurisdiction: Congress

Would have included enhanced federal investment in the nuclear industry, establishing facilities to test and develop advanced nuclear reactors and to develop domestic capabilities to produce the type of uranium needed for advanced reactors.