WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today extended the deadline for applications and sealed bid submissions under the $6 billion Civil Nuclear Credit (CNC) Program. The CNC program supports the continued operation of U.S. nuclear reactors, the nation’s largest source of clean, emissions-free electricity.

Owners or operators of nuclear reactors most at risk of premature closure due to economic hardship have 47 more days to submit applications for certification and sealed bids for credits. The deadline for the first CNC award cycle is now 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on July 5, 2022.  

“The Civil Nuclear Credit program will help the United States meet our climate goals while protecting jobs and the communities that depend on these plants,” said Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, Dr. Kathryn Huff. “We received a request to extend the application period, which could keep at-risk reactors online, delivering much needed clean energy to the grid.”

The first CNC award cycle is open to owners or operators of U.S. nuclear reactors that have already announced publicly their reactor is projected to close prior to September 30, 2026, due to economic factors. This ensures that the first award cycle is available to the reactors most at risk of imminent closure. DOE published guidance on how to apply in April 2022.

DOE is simultaneously developing guidance for the second award cycle under the CNC program, which will be open to more reactors. The next opportunity to apply will be available in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2023.

The Biden-Harris Administration has identified the nation’s current fleet of reactors as a vital resource to achieve net-zero emissions economy-wide by 2050 — a key deadline for reducing the harmful impacts of climate change. This essential investment, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help protect our supply of carbon-free electricity.  

Learn more about the CNC Program and the CNC April 2022 Guidance.