Department of Energy launches $230 million Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program

For the Fiscal Year 2020 budget, Congress appropriated $230 million to start a new demonstration program for advanced reactors. Through cost-shared partnerships with industry, ARDP will provide $160 million for initial funding to build two reactors that can be operational within the next 5 to 7 years.

"Advanced nuclear energy systems hold enormous potential to lower emissions, create new jobs, and build a strong economy," said Dr. Rita Baranwal, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Nuclear Energy. "This new program creates a tremendous opportunity for the U.S. to provide clean energy and expand our market opportunities."

In addition to the two reactors, ARDP will leverage the National Reactor Innovation Center to efficiently test and assess ARD technologies by engaging the world-renowned capabilities of the national laboratory system to move these reactors from blueprints to reality.

The primary implementing tool for ARDP is the ADRP Funding Opportunity Announcement, issued today, which provides applicants three separate technology development and demonstration pathways.

More information on ARDP can be found here.