DOE offering $13M grant program for advanced reactor licensing

The new Advanced Nuclear Energy Licensing Cost-Shared grant program aims to solidify regulatory certainty by combining public and private funds to expedite deployment and commercialization of advanced reactor designs, said Michael Goff, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Office of Nuclear Energy at the DOE.

A closer look: The DOE is offering funding to support early-stage activities, such as review of white papers and topical reports prior to a formal license application being submitted to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The funds could also be used for review activities needed after the formal license application is docketed by the NRC. These activities could include NRC safety and security review and environmental review, among other activities.

What’s next: Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on April 8. The DOE will award the funds later this year.

Subject to appropriations, the funding opportunity will be open for a period of five years with up to $50 million available.

For more information on the Advanced Nuclear Energy Licensing Cost-Shared Grant Program and to apply for funding, visit FedConnect.net.