The Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled a new initiative focused on accelerated development of new advanced nuclear technology.
DOE said in its March 5 press release the new initiative, Nuclear Energy Launch Pad, will create a hub to speed up advanced nuclear technology deployment using technical and regulatory frameworks on federal and non-federal lands. The initiative will operate through DOE’s National Reactor Innovation Center.
The new initiative builds on DOE’s reactor pilot program. Under the program, DOE plans to have at least three reactors reach criticality by July 4. Additionally, the department used its authority to approve construction and operation of the reactors to be tested at its national laboratories.
The Nuclear Energy Launch Pad initiative will further expand that authorization to include testing and operation to prepare first-of-a-kind technology for commercialization.
DOE said the Innovation Center will accept and evaluate applications yearly for Launch Pad, with the initial request for applications (RFA) due out in coming months. The Innovation Center will also host an industry day in conjunction with the release of the RFA that will be announced at a later date.