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News
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LCG, June 18, 2025--The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced late today a new pilot program to expedite the testing of advanced nuclear reactor designs under DOE authority outside of the national laboratories. The new pilot program is intended to unlock private funding and provide a fast track to commercial licensing.
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LCG, June 17, 2025--X-energy Reactor Company, LLC (X-energy) announced yesterday that it has received key updates from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regarding the construction permit application for the initial deployment of the Xe-100 advanced reactor at a Texas Gulf Coast site. The NRC published an 18-month review timeline for the project, located in Seadrift, Texas, and will concurrently proceed with its environmental assessment. The NRC cited the completeness and quality of the application, as well as the effectiveness of pre-application engagements for the 18-month timeline.
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Industry News
DOE Announces New Path to Test Advanced Nuclear Reactors
LCG, June 18, 2025--The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced late today a new pilot program to expedite the testing of advanced nuclear reactor designs under DOE authority outside of the national laboratories. The new pilot program is intended to unlock private funding and provide a fast track to commercial licensing.
DOE issued a Request for Application (RFA) seeking qualified U.S. reactor companies interested in constructing and operating their test reactors outside of the national laboratories using the DOE authorization process. Initial applications are due by July 21, 2025, with subsequent applications allowed on a rolling basis.
Today's action is designed to achieve goals included in President Trump’s Executive Order, Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy. The Order proposes to "Lay the Groundwork for Faster Reactor Testing." Specifically, the Order states "that three pilot reactors could be built and tested outside of the national laboratories with the goal of achieving criticality by July 4, 2026, as part of an overarching plan to shorten the length of time it takes to test advanced reactors."
The Order also calls for DOE to revise its regulations and guidance for expedited review and approval of reactor projects under its supervision. Furthermore, DOE is directed to use all available authorities to eliminate or expedite its environmental reviews for authorizations, permits, approvals, leases, and any other activity requested by an applicant or potential applicant.
The Secretary stated in today's announcement, “For too long, the federal government has stymied the development and deployment of advanced civil nuclear reactors in the United States. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are expediting the development of next-generation nuclear technologies and giving American innovators a new path forward to advance their designs, propelling our economic prosperity and bolstering our national security.”
In addition, the Secretary testified earlier today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on the DOE’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request, and he stated, "We are driven by a bedrock conviction that an affordable, reliable, secure energy supply is the foundation of a strong and prosperous nation. When America leads in energy, we lead in prosperity, security and human flourishing." Furthermore, he stated, "America must play a leading role in commercialization of reliable, safe and secure nuclear energy, and we are taking steps to accelerate innovation in this sector. DOE is working to advance the rapid deployment of next-generation nuclear technology, including small modular reactors."
The advanced reactor pilot program, as stated in the announcement, builds on current efforts to demonstrate advanced reactors on DOE sites through microreactor testbeds and other projects led by the Department of Defense and private industry. It is specifically designed to foster research and development of nuclear reactors and not demonstrate reactors for commercial suitability. Seeking DOE authorization provided under the Atomic Energy Act will help unlock private funding and provide a fast-tracked approach to enable future commercial licensing activities for potential applicants.
According to the announcement, DOE will consider advanced reactors with a reasonable chance to commence operations by the July 4, 2026 deadline. Applicants will be responsible for all costs associated with designing, manufacturing, constructing, operating, and decommissioning each test reactor. Moreover, applicants will be competitively selected based on a set of criteria, including technological readiness, site evaluations, financial viability, and a detailed plan to achieving criticality.
Furthermore, the announcement states, initial applications are due by July 21, 2025, with subsequent applications allowed on a rolling basis. DOE will sponsor an Industry Day event on June 25, 2025, which will include virtual and in-person attendance.
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