Civil Nuclear Credit Program

The Department of Energy's Civil Nuclear Credit Program is a $6 billion strategic investment to help preserve the existing U.S. reactor fleet and save thousands of high-paying jobs across the country. 

Under the program, owners or operators of commercial U.S. reactors were able to apply for certification to bid on credits to support their continued operations. An application had to demonstrate that the reactor was projected to close for economic reasons.

Credits will be allocated to selected certified reactors over a four-year period beginning on the date of the selection and credits can be awarded through September 30, 2031, if funds remain available. 

Why Do We Need the Civil Nuclear Credit Program?

Shifting energy markets and other economic factors have already led to early closures of 13 commercial nuclear power reactors across the United States in the last decade. More economically at-risk facilities could retire in the coming years. Closing nuclear power plants results in an increase in air pollutants because other types of power plants with higher air pollutants typically fill the void left by nuclear facilities.

Award Cycle 1

On January 17, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the signing of the credit award and payment agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric Company to finalize terms for $1.1 billion in credit payments via the Civil Nuclear Credit (CNC) Program for the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, located near Avila Beach, California. Units 1 and 2 at the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, which provides 9% of the total California power generation, were scheduled to cease commercial operations in 2024 and 2025, but the agreement announced today supports a path forward for Diablo Canyon to continue operating. For more information, resources, and documentation, visit the Civil Nuclear Credit Award Cycle 1 page.

Award Cycle 2

On March 2, 2023, DOE released application guidance for Award Cycle 2 of the CNC Program. While Award Cycle 1 limited eligibility to owners or operators of nuclear power reactors that had announced intentions to retire within the four-year award period, Award Cycle 2 was open to owners or operators of nuclear reactors that are at risk of closure by the end of the four-year award period, including such reactors that ceased operations after November 15, 2021. Applications for Award Cycle 2 closed on May 31, 2023. For more information, resources, and documentation, visit the Civil Nuclear Credit Award Cycle 2 page.

Award Cycle 3

On September 27, 2024, the Department of Energy released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input and Letters of Interest (LOI) from potential applicants for the CNC Program. The intent of the RFI was to gauge interest from the nuclear industry for a third award cycle.