Background
On May 23, President Trump issued four executive orders (EOs) that direct the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to take a leading role in unleashing the American nuclear renaissance. Executive Order 14301 reforms and streamlines national laboratory processes for reactor testing at the Department and directs DOE to start a new pilot program to expedite the testing of advanced reactor designs.
Program Overview
The Reactor Pilot Program establishes a new DOE pathway for advanced reactor demonstration to fast-track commercial licensing. The program aims to leverage DOE’s authority to expedite the research and development of advanced nuclear reactor technologies with the larger goal of reaching criticality for at least three advanced nuclear reactor concepts located outside of the national laboratories by July 4, 2026.
Current Opportunities
Request for Application
DOE issued a Request for Application on June 18, 2025. The Department is seeking applications for qualified test reactor construction and operation 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.
Read the Reactor Pilot Program Request for Application.
Announcements
- Read the press release announcing the Reactor Pilot Program, published June 18, 2025.
- Download the Request for Application, issued June 18, 2025.
Resources
- Watch the DOE Reactor Pilot Program industry day webinar recording here, aired June 25, 2025.
- All RFA questions should be directed to DOEReactorProgram@id.doe.gov.