DOE reissues $900 million call for SMR proposals

The U.S. Department of Energy has reissued its solicitation to fund the deployment of small modular reactors, or SMRs, requiring any who have already applied to resubmit their proposals by an April 23 deadline. 

Nuclear Energy International reported the reissued $900 million solicitation, which was originally announced in October during the Biden administration, with DOE saying it was “to better align with President Trump’s bold agenda to unleash American energy and AI dominance.” 

The federal agency has cited projected soaring electricity demand as the driver behind the importance of developing and deploying Generation III+ light-water SMRs. The funding is being offered in two tiers: 

• Tier 1: First Mover Team Support will provide up to $800 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 orderbook and 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 approximately $100 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. 

While the bulk of the original solicitation remains as originally issued, modifications include removal of all community benefits information required in the initial solicitation. The funding amount description and references on the program’s second tier for fast follower deployment support was also reworded to “approximately $100M” from the initial “up to $100M.” 

All applications submitted prior to the solicitation will be considered. Per DOE, “previous applicants who applied to the 2024 solicitation must resubmit their proposals following the new guidance to receive consideration. New applications are also welcome.” 

Holland and Knight, a multinational law firm who assists clients in multiple industries with regulatory and governmental needs, said in a release that “it is not unusual for a new administration to reissue funding opportunities to ensure that they align with the new policy priorities and objectives beyond what is established in statute.” 

SMRs could play a significant role in the Tri-Cities in the future. Amazon has partnered with Energy Northwest to develop several SMRs near the Columbia Generating Station. International nuclear fuel producer Framatome plans to build a new facility at its Richland site to produce the fuel needed for such reactors. The company received a 10-year commitment from DOE to supply it with that fuel late last year.