US DOE re-issues SMR funding solicitation
The USD900 million solicitation to support the deployment of small modular reactors has been re-issued to better align with President Donald Trump's agenda on unleashing American energy and AI dominance, the Department of Energy said.
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The funding to de-risk the deployment of Generation III+ light-water small modular reactors (SMRs) is offered through two tiers. Tier 1 - First Mover Team Support - will provide up to USD800 million to support up to two first mover teams of utility, reactor vendor, constructor, and end-users/off-takers committed to deploying a first plant while facilitating a multi-reactor, Gen III+ SMR order book. It will also provide the opportunity to work with the National Nuclear Security Administration to incorporate safeguards and security by design into the projects.
Tier 2 - Fast Follower Deployment Support - will provide around USD100 million to spur additional Gen III+ SMR deployments "by addressing key gaps that have hindered the domestic nuclear industry in areas such as design, licensing, supply chain, and site preparation".
Previous applicants who responded to the solicitation issued last year under the Biden Administration must resubmit their proposals following the new guidance to receive consideration.
"America's nuclear energy renaissance starts now," said US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. "Abundant and affordable energy is key to our nation's economic prosperity and security. This solicitation is a call to action for early movers seeking to put more energy on the grid through the deployment of advanced light-water small modular reactors."
The deadline for applications is 23 April. The selection of awardees will be solely based on technical merit, the DOE said. The solicitation can be found here.
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