Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor Program

Background

Nuclear power is one of the few energy sources able to produce the large amounts of energy necessary to reliably meet our nation’s growing energy needs. Designed with a variety of capabilities, sizes, and deployment scenarios in mind, small modular reactors (SMRs) can be used for power generation, process heat, desalination, and more. SMRs offer the potential for greater modularity, more factory-style construction, and the ability to be matched with loads and scaled to meet demand. Additionally, Gen III+ SMRs may be able to revitalize and leverage the expertise, workforce, and supply chains supporting the existing fleet of large light-water reactor designs, thus providing a near-term path for new nuclear deployments and operation.  

Program Overview

The Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor (Gen III+ SMR) Program aims to speed the demonstration of Gen III+ nuclear reactor technologies, bridging the gap between the nation’s current fleet of reactors and more advanced reactor designs that will be demonstrated through the Advanced Reactor Demonstrations Program. The goal of the Gen III+ SMR Program is to fund projects that will build and deploy these new nuclear reactors and address the gaps that hinder the U.S. nuclear industry.

Current Funding Opportunities

The U.S. Department of Energy is reissuing the $900 million Gen III+ SMR solicitation to unleash advanced small modular reactor technology to help grow the supply of affordable and abundant American energy.

Funding for this solicitation will be available through two tiers:

• Tier 1: First Mover Team Support will provide up to $800M to support up to two first mover teams of utility, reactor vendor, constructor, and end-users/off-takers committed to deploying a first plant while facilitating a multi-reactor, Gen III+ SMR orderbook and the opportunity to work with the National Nuclear Security Administration to incorporate safeguards and security by design into the projects.
• Tier 2: Fast Follower Deployment Support will provide approximately $100M to spur additional Gen III+ SMR deployments by addressing key gaps that have hindered the domestic nuclear industry in areas such as design, licensing, supply chain, and site preparation.

Applications are due no later than 5:00 P.M., EST on April 23, 2025. Previous applicants who applied to the 2024 solicitation must resubmit their proposals following the new guidance to receive consideration. New applications are also welcome.