DOE Reissues $900M Funding for Small Modular Reactors, Prioritizes Technical Merit

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has re-issued a $900 million funding opportunity aimed at accelerating the deployment of Generation III+ small modular reactors (SMRs). The updated solicitation, which removes prior community benefit requirements, now emphasizes technical merit, reflecting a strategic shift towards enhancing innovation and operational feasibility in nuclear technology. Two tiers of funding are available: Tier 1 offers up to $800 million for first mover teams committed to deploying an initial SMR plant, while Tier 2 provides approximately $100 million to address key challenges hindering further deployments. This move aligns with the Biden administration’s goals to bolster U.S. leadership in nuclear energy amid rising electricity demand driven by consumer and industrial needs. Market experts suggest that focusing on technical merit may lead to reduced costs and improved scalability for next-gen SMRs. The deadline for new proposals and resubmissions is set for April 23.