Advanced nuclear energy systems hold enormous potential to lower emissions, create new jobs and build an even stronger economy. The Advanced Reactor Demonstration Projects (ARDP) will speed the demonstration of advanced reactors through cost-shared partnerships with U.S. industry.

ARDP received an additional $2.5 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the demonstration of two advanced reactor technologies, the TerraPower Natrium Reactor and the X-energy Xe-100. This funding builds on the initial $160 million from the Office of Nuclear Energy prior to OCED’s creation.

These innovative nuclear technologies are ideally sized and designed to provide flexible electricity output and as process heat for a wide range of industrial heat applications as well as desalination and hydrogen production.  

The construction of these advanced demonstration reactors supports the development of future demonstrations and deployments by addressing the licensing, construction and operational risks of first-of-their-kind advanced reactor designs that have the potential to significantly improve upon the operational and safety characteristics of the current generation of reactors. 

The ARDP projects have the potential to create new short- and long-term jobs, many of which are expected to be filled by union members with positive, lasting economic impacts on the communities in which they operate. 

By rapidly developing these advanced reactors that hold so much promise, we can expand access to clean energy and take advantage of market opportunities and preserve key infrastructure and supply chain capabilities.

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