5.4.8 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.”

Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act

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.

Proposed Nuclear Energy Leadership Act of 2018

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.