Background
On June 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) established a pilot program for reactor construction and operation on sites located outside of the national laboratories in accordance with Executive Order 14301 to reform and streamline national laboratory processes for reactor testing at the Department. The United States currently lacks the sufficient domestic nuclear fuel resources to meet projected demand and DOE is relying on the same authority to develop or build fuel production lines to increase production capacity under Executive Order 14299 to deploy advanced nuclear reactor technologies for national security.
Program Overview
The Fuel Line Pilot Program supports the Reactor Pilot Program and establishes a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain for testing new reactors. The program leverages the DOE authorization process to build and operate nuclear fuel production lines to serve for research, development, and demonstration purposes and to provide a fast-tracked approach to commercial licensing.
Current Opportunities
Request for Application
DOE issued a Request for Application on July 15, 2025. The Department is seeking applications from qualified U.S. companies to build and operate nuclear fuel production lines using the DOE authorization process.
Initial applications are due by August 15, 2025, with subsequent applications allowed on a rolling basis.
Read the Fuel Line Pilot Program Request for Application.
Announcements
- Read the press release announcing the Fuel Line Pilot Program, published July 15, 2025.
- Download the Request for Application, issued July 15, 2025.
Resources
- Executive Order 14301: Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy
- Executive Order 14299: Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security
- DOE Reactor Pilot Program project page
- All RFA questions should be directed to DOEReactorProgram@id.doe.gov