The goals:
1. Enable continued operation of U.S. nuclear reactors. Supporting objectives include developing technologies that reduce operating costs, expanding to markets beyond electricity, and providing the scientific basis for continuing the operation of existing reactors.
2. Enable deployment of advanced nuclear reactors. Supporting objectives include reducing the risk and time needed to deploy advanced nuclear technology, developing reactors that expand market opportunities for nuclear energy, and supporting a diversity of designs that improve resource utilization.
3. Develop advanced nuclear fuel cycles. Supporting objectives include addressing gaps in the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain and fuel cycle for advanced reactors and evaluating options for establishing an integrated waste management system.
4. Maintain U.S. leadership in nuclear energy technology. Supporting objectives include facilitating global opportunities for the U.S. nuclear sector, maintaining world-class research and development capabilities, and developing highly trained scientists to support the future nuclear workforce.
5. Enable a high-performing organization. Supporting objectives include supporting and investing in DOE-NE’s workforce; effectively managing programs, projects, R&D investments, and contracts; and communicating regularly with stakeholders.
Measuring success: In addition to the supporting objectives, each goal also lists performance indicators to gauge progress. For example, to keep U.S. reactors in operation, DOE-NE calls for demonstrating a scalable hydrogen generation pilot plant by 2022 and achieving widespread implementation of accident tolerant fuel by 2030.
