Department of Energy issues Request for Application to build and operate nuclear fuel production lines
DOE is relying on the same authority used to expedite the testing program announced in June to jumpstart fuel line development.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the start of a new pilot program to accelerate the development of advanced nuclear reactors and strengthen domestic supply chains for nuclear fuel.
Specifically, DOE issued a Request for Application (RFA) and is seeking qualified U.S. companies to build and operate nuclear fuel production lines using the DOE authorization process. This initiative will help end America’s reliance on foreign sources of enriched uranium and critical materials, while opening the door for private sector investment in America’s nuclear renaissance.
According to the announcement, DOE launched a new reactor pilot program in June to expedite the testing of advanced reactor designs that will be authorized by the Department at sites located outside of the National Laboratories. DOE is currently reviewing potential applicants and anticipates selecting at least three advanced reactor designs later this summer that have the potential to achieve criticality by July 4, 2026.
DOE is relying on the same authority used to expedite testing to jumpstart fuel line development and rebuild America’s nuclear fuel production base.
No doubt, the new program will be a topic of conversation when the East Tennessee Economic Council‘s Nuclear Opportunities Workshop opens its two-day run on Tuesday at the Knoxville Convention Center.
Initial applications are due by August 15, with subsequent applications allowed on a rolling basis. More information can be found here.
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