42 USC 16279 - Advanced reactor demonstration program

Collapse to view only § 16279a. Advanced reactor demonstration program

§ 16271. Nuclear energy
§ 16272. Reactor concepts research, development, demonstration, and commercial application
§ 16273. Fuel cycle research, development, demonstration, and commercial application
§ 16274. Nuclear science and engineering support
§ 16274a. University Nuclear Leadership Program
§ 16275. Department of Energy civilian nuclear infrastructure and facilities
§ 16276. Security of nuclear facilities
§ 16277. High-performance computation and supportive research
§ 16278. Enabling nuclear energy innovation
§ 16279. Budget plan
§ 16279a. Advanced reactor demonstration program
§ 16279b. International nuclear energy cooperation
§ 16279c. Organization and administration of programs
§ 16280. Advanced Nuclear Energy Licensing Cost-Share Grant Program
§ 16281. Advanced nuclear fuel availability
§ 16282. U.S. nuclear fuel security initiative

§ 16271. Nuclear energy

(a) Mission

(1) In general

(2) ConsiderationsThe programs carried out under paragraph (1) shall take into consideration the following objectives:

(A) Providing research infrastructure to promote scientific progress and enable users from academia, the National Laboratories, and the private sector to make scientific discoveries relevant for nuclear, chemical, and materials science engineering.

(B) Maintaining nuclear energy research and development programs at the National Laboratories and institutions of higher education, including infrastructure at the National Laboratories and institutions of higher education.

(D) Increasing confidence margins for public safety of nuclear energy systems.

(E) Reducing the environmental impact of activities relating to nuclear energy.

(F) Supporting technology transfer from the National Laboratories to the private sector.

(G) Enabling the private sector to partner with the National Laboratories to demonstrate novel reactor concepts for the purpose of resolving technical uncertainty associated with the objectives described in subparagraphs (A) through (F).

(b) DefinitionsIn this part:

(1) Advanced nuclear reactorThe term “advanced nuclear reactor” means—

(A) a nuclear fission reactor, including a prototype plant (as defined in sections 50.2 and 52.1 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations)), with significant improvements compared to reactors operating on December 27, 2020, including improvements such as—

(i) additional inherent safety features;

(ii) lower waste yields;

(iii) improved fuel and material performance;

(iv) increased tolerance to loss of fuel cooling;

(v) enhanced reliability or improved resilience;

(vi) increased proliferation resistance;

(vii) increased thermal efficiency;

(viii) reduced consumption of cooling water and other environmental impacts;

(ix) the ability to integrate into electric applications and nonelectric applications;

(x) modular sizes to allow for deployment that corresponds with the demand for electricity or process heat; and

(xi) operational flexibility to respond to changes in demand for electricity or process heat and to complement integration with intermittent renewable energy or energy storage;

(B) a fusion reactor; and

(2) Commission

(3) Fast neutron

(4) National Laboratory

(A) In general

(B) Limitation

(5) Neutron flux

(6) Neutron sourceThe term “neutron source” means a research machine that provides neutron irradiation services for—

(A) research on materials sciences and nuclear physics; and

(B) testing of advanced materials, nuclear fuels, and other related components for reactor systems.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, § 951, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 884; Pub. L. 115–248, § 2(a), Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3154; Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title II, § 2002, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2459; Pub. L. 117–58, div. D, title X, § 41002(b)(1), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1127.)

§ 16272. Reactor concepts research, development, demonstration, and commercial application

(a) Sustainability program for light water reactors

(1) In generalThe Secretary shall carry out a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application, including through the use of modeling and simulation, to support existing operating nuclear power plants which shall address technologies to modernize and improve, with respect to such plants—

(A) reliability;

(B) capacity;

(D) safety;

(E) physical security and security costs;

(F) plant lifetime;

(G) operations and maintenance costs, including by utilizing risk-informed systems analysis;

(H) the ability for plants to operate flexibly;

(I) nuclear integrated energy system applications described in subsection (c);

(J) efficiency;

(K) environmental impacts; and

(L) resilience.

(2) Isotope demonstration evaluation

(A) In general

(B) Consultation

(3) Report

(4) Authorization of appropriations

(b) Advanced reactor technologies

(1) In general

(2) RequirementsIn carrying out the program under this subsection, the Secretary shall—

(A) prioritize designs for advanced nuclear reactors that are proliferation resistant and passively safe, including designs that, compared to reactors operating on December 27, 2020—

(i) are economically competitive with other electric power generation plants;

(ii) have higher efficiency, lower cost, less environmental impacts, increased resilience, and improved safety;

(iii) use fuels that are proliferation resistant and have reduced production of high-level waste per unit of output; and

(iv) use advanced instrumentation and monitoring systems;

(B) consult with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on appropriate metrics to consider for the criteria specified in subparagraph (A);

(C) support research and development to resolve materials challenges relating to extreme environments, including environments that contain high levels of—

(i) radiation fluence;

(ii) temperature;

(iii) pressure; and

(iv) corrosion;

(D) support research and development to aid in the qualification of advanced fuels, including fabrication techniques;

(E) support activities that address near-term challenges in modeling and simulation to enable accelerated design of and licensing of advanced nuclear reactors, including the identification of tools and methodologies for validating such modeling and simulation efforts;

(F) develop technologies, including technologies to manage, reduce, or reuse nuclear waste;

(G) ensure that nuclear research infrastructure is maintained or constructed, including—

(i) currently operational research reactors at the National Laboratories and institutions of higher education;

(ii) hot cell research facilities;

(iii) a versatile fast neutron source; and

(iv) advanced coolant testing facilities, including coolants such as lead, sodium, gas, and molten salt;

(H) improve scientific understanding of nonlight water coolant physics and chemistry;

(I) develop advanced sensors and control systems, including the identification of tools and methodologies for validating such sensors and systems;

(J) investigate advanced manufacturing and advanced construction techniques and materials to reduce the cost of advanced nuclear reactors, including the use of digital twins and of strategies to implement project and construction management best practices, and study the effects of radiation and corrosion on materials created with these techniques;

(K) consult with the Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration to integrate reactor safeguards and security into design;

(L) support efforts to reduce any technical barriers that would prevent commercial application of advanced nuclear energy systems; and

(M) develop various safety analyses and emergency preparedness and response methodologies.

(3) Coordination

(4) Authorization of appropriations

(1) In generalThe Secretary shall carry out a program of research, development, demonstration, and commercial application to develop nuclear integrated energy systems, composed of 2 or more co-located or jointly operated subsystems of energy generation, energy storage, or other technologies and in which not less than 1 such subsystem is a nuclear energy system, to—

(A) reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both the power and nonpower sectors; and

(B) maximize energy production and efficiency.

(2) CoordinationIn carrying out the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall coordinate with—

(A) relevant program offices within the Department of Energy;

(B) National Laboratories;

(D) the private sector.

(3) Focus areasThe program under paragraph (1) may include research, development, demonstration, or commercial application of nuclear integrated energy systems with respect to—

(A) desalination technologies and processes;

(B) hydrogen or other liquid and gaseous fuel or chemical production;

(D) district heating;

(E) heat or electricity generation and storage;

(F) carbon capture, use, utilization, and storage;

(G) microgrid or island applications;

(H) integrated systems modeling, analysis, and optimization, inclusive of different configurations of integrated energy systems; and

(I) integrated design, planning, building, and operation of systems with existing infrastructure, including interconnection requirements with the electric grid, as appropriate.

(4) Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the program under this subsection—

(A) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;

(B) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;

(D) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and

(E) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, § 952, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 885; Pub. L. 115–248, § 2(b)(1), Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3155; Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title II, § 2003(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2459; Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title I, § 10110(b), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1454; Pub. L. 117–263, div. E, title LIX, § 5914(1), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3449.)

§ 16273. Fuel cycle research, development, demonstration, and commercial application

(a) Used nuclear fuel research, development, demonstration, and commercial application

(1) In general

The Secretary shall conduct an advanced fuel cycle research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program to improve fuel cycle performance, minimize environmental and public health and safety impacts, and support a variety of options for used nuclear fuel storage, use, and disposal, including advanced nuclear reactor and non-reactor concepts (such as radioisotope power systems), which may include—

(A) dry cask storage;

(B) consolidated interim storage;

(D) used nuclear fuel transportation;

(E) integrated waste management systems;

(F) vitrification;

(G) fuel recycling and transmutation technologies, including advanced reprocessing technologies such as electrochemical and molten salt technologies, and advanced redox extraction technologies;

(H) advanced materials to be used in subparagraphs (A) through (G); and

(I) other areas as determined by the Secretary.

(2) Requirements

In carrying out the program under this subsection, the Secretary shall—

(A) ensure all activities and designs incorporate state of the art safeguards technologies and techniques to reduce risk of proliferation;

(B) consult with the Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration to integrate safeguards and security by design;

(C) consider the potential benefits and other impacts of those activities for civilian nuclear applications, environmental health and safety, and national security, including consideration of public consent; and

(D) consider the economic viability of all activities and designs.

(3) Authorization of appropriations

(b) Advanced fuels

(1) In general

The Secretary shall conduct an advanced fuels research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program on next-generation light water reactor and advanced reactor fuels that demonstrate the potential for improved—

(A) performance;

(B) accident tolerance;

(D) use of resources;

(E) environmental impact; and

(F) economics.

(2) Requirements

(3) Report

(4) Authorization of appropriations

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, § 953, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 886; Pub. L. 115–248, § 2(c), Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3155; Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title II, § 2003(b), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2462.)

§ 16274. Nuclear science and engineering support

(a) University nuclear science and engineering support

(1) In general

(2) RequirementsIn carrying out the program under this subsection, the Secretary shall—

(A) conduct a graduate and undergraduate fellowship program to attract new and talented students, which may include fellowships for students to spend time at National Laboratories in the areas of nuclear science, engineering, and health physics with a member of the National Laboratory staff acting as a mentor;

(B) conduct a junior faculty research initiation grant program to assist universities in recruiting and retaining new faculty in the nuclear sciences and engineering by awarding grants to junior faculty for research on issues related to nuclear energy engineering and science;

(C) support fundamental nuclear sciences, engineering, and health physics research through a nuclear engineering education and research program;

(D) promote collaborations, partnerships, and knowledge sharing between institutions of higher education, National Laboratories, other Federal agencies, industry, and associated labor unions; and

(E) support communication and outreach related to nuclear science, engineering, and health physics.

(3) University-National Laboratory interactionsThe Secretary shall conduct—

(A) a fellowship program for professors at universities to spend sabbaticals at National Laboratories in the areas of nuclear science and technology; and

(B) a visiting scientist program in which National Laboratory staff can spend time in academic nuclear science and engineering departments.

(4) Strengthening university research and training reactors and associated infrastructure

(A)In general.—In carrying out the program under this subsection, the Secretary may support—

(i) converting research reactors from high-enrichment fuels to low-enrichment fuels and upgrading operational instrumentation;

(ii) revitalizing and upgrading existing nuclear science and engineering infrastructure that support the development of advanced nuclear technologies and applications;

(iii) regional or subregional university-led consortia to—(I) broaden access to university research reactors;(II) enhance existing university-based nuclear science and engineering infrastructure; and(III) provide project management, technical support, quality engineering and inspections, manufacturing, and nuclear material support;

(iv) student training programs, in collaboration with the United States nuclear industry, in relicensing and upgrading reactors, including through the provision of technical assistance; and

(v) reactor improvements that emphasize research, training, and education, including through the Innovations in Nuclear Infrastructure and Education Program or any similar program.

(B) Of any amounts appropriated to carry out the program under this subsection, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out clauses (ii) and (iii) of subparagraph (A) $55,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027.

(5) Advanced nuclear research infrastructure enhancement

(A) In generalThe Secretary shall carry out a subprogram to be known as the Advanced Nuclear Research Infrastructure Enhancement Subprogram in order to—

(i) demonstrate various advanced nuclear reactor and nuclear microreactor concepts;

(ii) establish medical isotope production reactors or other specialized applications; and

(iii) advance other research infrastructure that, in the determination of the Secretary, is consistent with the mission of the Department.

(B) New nuclear science and engineering facilitiesIn carrying out the subprogram, the Secretary shall establish—

(i) not more than 4 new research reactors; and

(ii) new nuclear science and engineering facilities, as required to address research demand and identified infrastructure gaps.

(C) LocationsNew research reactors and facilities established under subparagraph (B) shall be established in a manner that—

(i) supports the regional or subregional consortia described in paragraph (4)(C); 1

1 So in original. Probably means “paragraph (4)(A)(iii)”.

and

(ii) encourages the participation of—(I) historically Black colleges and universities;(II) Tribal colleges or universities;(III) minority-serving institutions;(IV) EPSCoR universities; and(V) junior or community colleges.

(D) Fuel requirements

(E) Fuel services

(F) Authorization of appropriationsOf any amounts appropriated to carry out the program under this section, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the subprogram under this paragraph—

(i) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;

(ii) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;

(iii) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;

(iv) $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; and

(v) $140,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.

(6) Radiological facilities management

(A) In general

(B) Authorization of appropriations

(7) Nuclear energy university program

(8) Operations and maintenance

(9) DefinitionsIn this subsection:

(A) Junior faculty

(B) Junior or community collegeThe term “junior or community college” means—

(i) a public institution of high education, including additional locations, at which the highest awarded degree, or the predominantly awarded degree, is an associate degree; or

(ii) any Tribal college or university (as defined in section 1059c of title 20).

(D) Historically Black college or university

(E) Minority-serving institution

(F) Tribal College or University

(b) Nuclear energy traineeship subprogram

(1) Establishment

(2) RequirementsIn carrying out the subprogram under this subsection, the Secretary shall—

(A) encourage appropriate partnerships among National Laboratories, affected universities, community colleges, trade schools, registered apprenticeship programs, pre-apprenticeship programs, and industry; and

(B) on an annual basis, evaluate the needs of the nuclear energy community to implement traineeships for focused topical areas addressing mission-specific workforce needs.

(A)Focus areas.—2

2 So in original. There are two subpars. (A). Probably should be designated par. (3).

 In carrying out the subprogram under this subsection, the Secretary may implement traineeships in focus areas that, in the determination of the Secretary, are necessary to support the nuclear energy sector in the United States, including—

(i) research and development;

(ii) construction and operation;

(iii) associated supply chains; and

(iv) workforce training and retraining to support transitioning workforces.

(4) Authorization of appropriations 3

3 So in original. There is no par. (3).

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, § 954, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 886; Pub. L. 115–248, § 2(d), Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3155; Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title II, § 2003(c), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2463; Pub. L. 117–58, div. D, title X, § 41002(b)(2), Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1128; Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title VI, §§ 10743, 10744, Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1718, 1719; Pub. L. 117–263, div. E, title LIX, § 5914(2), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3449; Pub. L. 118–31, div. C, title XXXI, § 3131(p)(2), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 803.)

§ 16274a. University Nuclear Leadership Program

(a) In general

(b) Use of funds

(1) In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2) and subsection (c), amounts made available to carry out the Program shall be used to provide financial assistance for scholarships, fellowships, and research and development projects at institutions of higher education in areas relevant to the programmatic mission of the applicable Federal agency, with an emphasis on providing the financial assistance with respect to research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities relevant to civilian advanced nuclear reactors including, but not limited to—

(A) relevant fuel cycle technologies;

(B) project management; and

(2) Exception

(1) In general

(2) RequirementsIn carrying out the nuclear energy traineeship subprogram described in paragraph (1), the Commission shall—

(A) coordinate with the Secretary of Energy to prioritize the funding of traineeships that focus on—

(i) nuclear workforce needs; and

(ii) critical mission needs of the Commission;

(B) encourage appropriate partnerships among—

(i) National Laboratories;

(ii) institutions of higher education;

(iii) trade schools;

(iv) the nuclear energy industry; and

(v) other entities, as the Commission determines to be appropriate; and

(C) on an annual basis, evaluate nuclear workforce needs for the purpose of implementing traineeships in focused topical areas that—

(i) address the workforce needs of the nuclear energy community; and

(ii) support critical mission needs of the Commission.

(d) DefinitionsIn this section:

(1) Advanced nuclear reactor

(2) Commission

(3)2

2 So in original. Another par. (3) follows par. (5).

Institution of higher education

(4) National Laboratory

(5)

(3)3

3 So in original. Another par. (3) follows par. (2).

Nontechnical nuclear research

(e) Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the Program for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025—

(1) $45,000,000 to the Secretary of Energy, of which $15,000,000 shall be for use by the Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration; and

(2) $15,000,000 to the Commission.

(Pub. L. 111–8, div. C, title III, § 313, Mar. 11, 2009, 123 Stat. 627; Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title II, § 2003(e), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2465; Pub. L. 117–167, div. B, title VI, § 10745(b), Aug. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 1721; Pub. L. 118–67, div. B, title IV, § 402, July 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 1467.)

§ 16275. Department of Energy civilian nuclear infrastructure and facilities

(a) In general

(b) Duties

In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall—

(1) develop an inventory of nuclear science and engineering facilities, equipment, expertise, and other assets at all of the National Laboratories;

(2) develop a prioritized list of nuclear science and engineering plant and equipment improvements needed at each of the National Laboratories;

(3) consider the available facilities and expertise at all National Laboratories and emphasize investments which complement rather than duplicate capabilities; and

(4) develop a timeline and a proposed budget for the completion of deferred maintenance on plant and equipment, with the goal of ensuring that Department programs under this part will be generally recognized to be among the best in the world.

(1) Authorization

(A) In general

(B) Consultations required

(2) Establishment

(3) Facility requirements

(A) Capabilities

The Secretary shall ensure that the user facility will provide, at a minimum, the following capabilities:

(i) Fast neutron spectrum irradiation capability.

(ii) Capacity for upgrades to accommodate new or expanded research needs.

(B) Considerations

In carrying out the plan submitted under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall consider the following:

(i) Capabilities that support experimental high-temperature testing.

(ii) Providing a source of fast neutrons at a neutron flux, higher than that at which current research facilities operate, sufficient to enable research for an optimal base of prospective users.

(iii) Maximizing irradiation flexibility and irradiation volume to accommodate as many concurrent users as possible.

(iv) Capabilities for irradiation with neutrons of a lower energy spectrum.

(v) Multiple loops for fuels and materials testing in different coolants.

(vi) Additional pre-irradiation and post-irradiation examination capabilities.

(vii) Lifetime operating costs and lifecycle costs.

(4) Deadline for establishment

(5) Reporting

(6) Coordination

(7) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out to completion the construction of the facility under this section—

(A) $295,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;

(B) $348,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;

(D) $534,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and

(E) $584,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.

(d) Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear

(1) In general

In carrying out the programs under this part, the Secretary is authorized to establish a new initiative to be known as the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN). The initiative shall, to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with national security, provide the nuclear energy industry with access to cutting edge research and development along with the technical, regulatory, and financial support necessary to move innovative nuclear energy technologies toward commercialization in an accelerated and cost-effective fashion. The Secretary shall make available, as a minimum—

(A) experimental capabilities and testing facilities;

(B) computational capabilities, modeling, and simulation tools;

(D) technical assistance with guidance or processes as needed.

(2) Selection

(A) In general

(B) Considerations

In selecting industry partners under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider—

(i) the information disclosed by the Department as described in paragraph (1); and

(ii) any existing facilities the Department will provide for public private partnership activities.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, § 955, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 887; Pub. L. 115–248, § 2(e), Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3156; Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title II, § 2003(f), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2466.)

§ 16276. Security of nuclear facilities

The Secretary shall conduct a research and development program on cost-effective technologies for increasing—

(1) the safety of nuclear facilities from natural phenomena; and

(2) the security of nuclear facilities from deliberate attacks.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, § 956, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 888; Pub. L. 115–248, § 2(f), Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3157.)

§ 16277. High-performance computation and supportive research

(a) Modeling and simulation

(b) Coordination

In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall coordinate with relevant Federal agencies as described by the National Strategic Computing Initiative established by Executive Order 13702 (80 Fed. Reg. 46177 (July 29, 2015)), while taking into account the following objectives:

(1) Using expertise from the private sector, institutions of higher education, and the National Laboratories to develop computational software and capabilities that prospective users may access to accelerate research and development of advanced nuclear reactor systems and reactor systems for space exploration.

(2) Developing computational tools to simulate and predict nuclear phenomena that may be validated through physical experimentation.

(3) Increasing the utility of the research infrastructure of the Department by coordinating with the Advanced Scientific Computing Research program within the Office of Science.

(4) Leveraging experience from the Energy Innovation Hub for Modeling and Simulation.

(5) Ensuring that new experimental and computational tools are accessible to relevant research communities, including private sector entities engaged in nuclear energy technology development.

The Secretary shall consider support for additional research activities to maximize the utility of the research facilities of the Department, including physical processes—

(1) to simulate degradation of materials and behavior of fuel forms; and

(2) for validation of computational tools.

(d) Duplication

The Secretary shall ensure the coordination of, and avoid unnecessary duplication of, the activities of the program under subsection (a) with the activities of—

(1) other research entities of the Department, including the National Laboratories, the Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy, and the Advanced Scientific Computing Research program; and

(2) industry.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, § 957, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 888; Pub. L. 115–248, § 2(g), Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3157; Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title II, § 2004, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2470.)

§ 16278. Enabling nuclear energy innovation

(a) National Reactor Innovation Center

(b) Technical expertise

(1) Enabling physical validation of advanced nuclear reactor concepts.

(2) Resolving technical uncertainty and increasing practical knowledge relevant to safety, resilience, security, and functionality of advanced nuclear reactor concepts.

(3) General research and development to improve nascent technologies.

(d) Sharing technical expertiseIn carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary may enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Chairman of the Commission in order to share technical expertise and knowledge through—

(1) enabling the testing and demonstration of advanced nuclear reactor concepts to be proposed and funded, in whole or in part, by the private sector;

(2) operating a database to store and share data and knowledge relevant to nuclear science and engineering between Federal agencies and the private sector;

(3) developing and testing electric and nonelectric integration and energy conversion systems relevant to advanced nuclear reactors;

(4) leveraging expertise from the Commission with respect to safety analysis; and

(5) enabling technical staff of the Commission to actively observe and learn about technologies developed under the program.

(e) Agency coordinationThe Chairman of the Commission and the Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding regarding the following:

(1) Ensuring that—

(A) the Department has sufficient technical expertise to support the timely research, development, demonstration, and commercial application by the civilian nuclear industry of safe and innovative advanced nuclear reactor technology; and

(B) the Commission has sufficient technical expertise to support the evaluation of applications for licenses, permits, and design certifications and other requests for regulatory approval for advanced nuclear reactors.

(2) The use of computers and software codes to calculate the behavior and performance of advanced nuclear reactors based on mathematical models of the physical behavior of advanced nuclear reactors.

(3) Ensuring that—

(A) the Department maintains and develops the facilities necessary to enable the timely research, development, demonstration, and commercial application by the civilian nuclear industry of safe and innovative reactor technology; and

(B) the Commission has access to the facilities described in subparagraph (A), as needed.

(f) Reporting requirements

(1) In general

(2) ContentsThe report submitted under paragraph (1) shall address—

(A) the safety review and oversight capabilities of the Department, including options to leverage expertise from the Commission and the National Laboratories;

(B) options to regulate privately proposed and funded experimental reactors hosted by the Department;

(D) the efficacy of the available contractual mechanisms of the Department to partner with the private sector and Federal agencies, including cooperative research and development agreements, strategic partnership projects, and agreements for commercializing technology;

(E) the liability of the Federal Government with respect to the disposal of low-level radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel, or high-level radioactive waste (as those terms are defined in section 10101 of this title);

(F) the impact on the aggregate inventory in the United States of low-level radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel, or high-level radioactive waste (as those terms are defined in section 10101 of this title);

(G) potential cost structures relating to physical security, decommissioning, liability, and other long-term project costs; and

(H) other challenges or considerations identified by the Secretary.

(3) Updates

(g) Savings clauses

(1) Licensing requirement

(2) Financial protection

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, § 958, as added Pub. L. 115–248, § 2(h), Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3157.)

§ 16279. Budget plan

(a) In general

(b) Budget plan alternative 1

(d) Inclusions

Each alternative budget plan submitted under subsection (a) shall include—

(1) a prioritized list of the programs, projects, and activities of the Department to best support the development of advanced nuclear reactor technologies;

(2) realistic budget requirements for the Department to implement sections 16275(c), 16277, and 16278 of this title;

(3) the justification of the Department for continuing or terminating existing civilian nuclear energy research and development programs; and

(4) a description of the progress made under the programs described in section 16279a of this title.

(e) Updates

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, § 959, as added Pub. L. 115–248, § 2(i), Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3160; amended Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title II, § 2005, 134 Stat. 2470.)

§ 16279a. Advanced reactor demonstration program

(a) Demonstration project defined

(b) EstablishmentThe Secretary shall establish a program to advance the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of domestic advanced, affordable, nuclear energy technologies by—

(1) demonstrating a variety of advanced nuclear reactor technologies, including those that could be used to produce—

(A) safer, emissions-free power at a competitive cost of electricity compared to other new energy generation technologies on December 27, 2020;

(B) heat for community heating, industrial purposes, heat storage, or synthetic fuel production;

(D) backup or mission-critical power supplies;

(2) identifying research areas that the private sector is unable or unwilling to undertake due to the cost of, or risks associated with, the research; and

(3) facilitating the access of the private sector—

(A) to Federal research facilities and personnel; and

(B) to the results of research relating to civil nuclear technology funded by the Federal Government.

(c) Demonstration projectsIn carrying out demonstration projects under the program established in subsection (b), the Secretary shall—

(1) include, as an evaluation criterion, diversity in designs for the advanced nuclear reactors demonstrated under this section, including designs using various—

(A) primary coolants;

(B) fuel types and compositions; and

(2) consider, as evaluation criterions—

(A) the likelihood that the operating cost for future commercial units for each design implemented through a demonstration project under this subsection is cost-competitive in the applicable market, including those designs configured as integrated energy systems as described in section 16272(c) of this title;

(B) the technology readiness level of a proposed advanced nuclear reactor technology;

(C) the technical abilities and qualifications of teams desiring to demonstrate a proposed advanced nuclear reactor technology; and

(D) the capacity to meet cost-share requirements of the Department;

(3) ensure that each evaluation of candidate technologies for the demonstration projects is completed through an external review of proposed designs, which review shall—

(A) be conducted by a panel that includes not fewer than 1 representative that does not have a conflict of interest of each within the applicable market of the design of—

(i) an electric utility;

(ii) an entity that uses high-temperature process heat for manufacturing or industrial processing, such as a petrochemical or synthetic fuel company, a manufacturer of metals or chemicals, or a manufacturer of concrete;

(iii) an expert from the investment community;

(iv) a project management practitioner; and

(v) an environmental health and safety expert; and

(B) include a review of each demonstration project under this subsection which shall include consideration of cost-competitiveness and other value streams, together with the technology readiness level, the technical abilities and qualifications of teams desiring to demonstrate a proposed advanced nuclear reactor technology, the capacity to meet cost-share requirements of the Department, if Federal funding is provided, and environmental impacts;

(4) for federally funded demonstration projects, enter into cost-sharing agreements with private sector partners in accordance with section 16352 of this title for the conduct of activities relating to the research, development, and demonstration of advanced nuclear reactor designs under the program;

(5) consult with—

(A) National Laboratories;

(B) institutions of higher education;

(D) potential end users of new technologies (such as users of high-temperature process heat for manufacturing processing, including petrochemical or synthetic fuel companies, manufacturers of metals or chemicals, or manufacturers of concrete);

(E) developers of advanced nuclear reactor technology;

(F) environmental and public health and safety experts; and

(G) non-proliferation experts;

(6) seek to ensure that the demonstration projects carried out under this section do not cause any delay in the progress of an advanced reactor project by private industry and the Department of Energy that is underway as of December 27, 2020;

(7) establish a streamlined approval process for expedited contracting between awardees and the Department;

(8) identify technical challenges to candidate technologies;

(9) support near-term research and development to address the highest risk technical challenges to the successful demonstration of a selected advanced reactor technology, in accordance with—

(A) paragraph (8);

(B) the research and development activities under section 16272(b) of this title; and

(10) establish such technology advisory working groups as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to advise the Secretary regarding the technical challenges identified under paragraph (8) and the scope of research and development programs to address the challenges, in accordance with paragraph (9), to be comprised of—

(A) private sector advanced nuclear reactor technology developers;

(B) technical experts with respect to the relevant technologies at institutions of higher education;

(D) environmental and public health and safety experts;

(E) non-proliferation experts; and

(F) any other entities the Secretary determines appropriate.

(d) Milestone-based demonstration projects

(e) Nonduplication

(f) Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the program under this subsection—

(1) $405,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;

(2) $405,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;

(3) $420,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;

(4) $455,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and

(5) $455,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, § 959A, as added Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title II, § 2003(g)(1), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2467.)

§ 16279b. International nuclear energy cooperationThe Secretary shall carry out a program—

(1) to collaborate in international efforts with respect to research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of nuclear technology that supports diplomatic, financing, nonproliferation, climate, and international economic objectives for the safe, secure, and peaceful use of such technology; and

(2) to develop collaboration initiatives with respect to such efforts with a variety of countries through—

(A) preparations for research and development agreements;

(B) the development of coordinated action plans; and

(i) the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation;

(ii) the Generation IV International Forum;

(iii) the International Atomic Energy Agency;

(iv) the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Nuclear Energy Agency; and

(v) any other international collaborative effort with respect to advanced nuclear reactor operations and safety.

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, § 959B, as added Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title II, § 2003(h)(1), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2470.)

§ 16279c. Organization and administration of programs

(a) Coordination

(b) Collaboration

(1) In general

(2) Participation

(d) Education and outreach

(e) Technical assistance

(f) Program review

(g) Sensitive information

(Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, § 959C, as added Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title II, § 2006(a), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2471.)

§ 16280. Advanced Nuclear Energy Licensing Cost-Share Grant Program

(a) DefinitionsIn this section:

(1) Commission

(2) Program

(3) Secretary

(b) Establishment

(d) Cost-share amount

(e) Use of fundsA recipient of a grant under the program may use the grant funds to cover Commission fees, including those fees associated with—

(1) developing a licensing project plan;

(2) obtaining a statement of licensing feasibility;

(3) reviewing topical reports; and

(4) other—

(A) pre-application review activities;

(B) application review activities; and

(Pub. L. 115–248, § 3, Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3160.)

§ 16281. Advanced nuclear fuel availability

(a) Program

(1) Establishment

(2) Program elementsIn carrying out the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary—

(A) shall develop, in consultation with the Commission, criticality benchmark data to assist the Commission in—

(i) the licensing and regulation of special nuclear material fuel fabrication and enrichment facilities under part 70 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations; and

(ii) certification of transportation packages under part 71 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations;

(B) shall conduct research and development, and provide financial assistance to assist commercial entities, to design and license transportation packages for HA–LEU, including canisters for metal, gas, and other HA–LEU compositions;

(i) by January 1, 2024, support commercial entity submission of such transportation package designs to the Commission for certification by the Commission under part 71 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations; and

(ii) encourage the Commission to have such transportation package designs so certified by the Commission within 24 months after receipt of an application;

(D) shall consider options for acquiring or providing HA–LEU from a stockpile of uranium owned by the Department, or using enrichment technology, to make available to members of the consortium established pursuant to subparagraph (F) for commercial use or demonstration projects, taking into account cost and amount of time required, and prioritizing methods that would produce usable HA–LEU the quickest, including options for acquiring or providing HA–LEU—

(i) that—(I) directly meets the needs of an end user; and(II) has been previously used or fabricated for another purpose;

(ii) that meets the needs of an end user after having radioactive or other contaminants that resulted from a previous use or fabrication of the fuel for research, development, demonstration, or deployment activities of the Department removed;

(iii) that is produced from high-enriched uranium that is blended with lower assay uranium to become HA–LEU to meet the needs of an end user;

(iv) that is produced by Department research, development, and demonstration activities;

(v) that is produced in the United States by—(I) a United States-owned commercial entity operating United States-origin technology;(II) a United States-owned commercial entity operating a foreign-origin technology; or(III) a foreign-owned entity operating a foreign-origin technology;

(vi) that does not require extraction of uranium or development of uranium from lands managed by the Federal Government, cause harm to the natural or cultural resources of Tribal communities or sovereign Native Nations, or result in degraded ground or surface water quality on publicly managed or privately owned lands; or

(vii) that does not negatively impact the availability of HA–LEU by the Department to support the production of medical isotopes, including the medical isotopes defined under the American Medical Isotopes Production Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–239; 126 Stat. 2211);

(E) not later than 1 year after December 27, 2020, and biennially thereafter, shall conduct a survey of stakeholders to estimate the quantity of HA–LEU necessary for domestic commercial use for each of the 5 subsequent years;

(F) shall establish, and from time to time update, a consortium, which may include entities involved in any stage of the nuclear fuel cycle, to partner with the Department to support the availability of HA–LEU for civilian domestic demonstration and commercial use, including by—

(i) providing information to the Secretary for purposes of surveys conducted under subparagraph (E);

(ii) purchasing HA–LEU made available by the Secretary to members of the consortium for commercial use under the program; and

(iii) carrying out demonstration projects using HA–LEU provided by the Secretary under the program;

(G) if applicable, shall, prior to acquiring or providing HA–LEU under subparagraph (H), in coordination with the consortium established pursuant to subparagraph (F), develop a schedule for cost recovery of HA–LEU made available to members of the consortium using HA–LEU for commercial use pursuant to subparagraph (H);

(H) shall, beginning not later than 3 years after the establishment of a consortium under subparagraph (F), have the capability to acquire or provide HA–LEU, in order to make such HA–LEU available to members of the consortium beginning not later than January 1, 2026, in amounts that are consistent, to the extent practicable, with—

(i) the quantities estimated under the surveys conducted under subparagraph (E); plus

(ii) the quantities necessary for demonstration projects carried out under the program, as determined by the Secretary;(I) shall, for advanced reactor demonstration projects, prioritize the provision of HA–LEU made available under this section through a merit-based, competitive selection process; and

(J) shall seek to ensure that the activities carried out under this section do not cause any delay in the progress of any HA–LEU project between private industry and the Department that is underway as of December 27, 2020.

(3) Applicability of USEC Privatization Act

(A) Sale or transfer to consortium

(B) Demonstration

(4) National security needs

(5) DOE acquisition of HA–LEUThe Secretary may not make commitments under this section (including cooperative agreements (used in accordance with section 6305 of title 31), purchase agreements, guarantees, leases, service contracts, or any other type of commitment) for the purchase or other acquisition of HA–LEU unless—

(A) funds are specifically provided for such purposes in advance in subsequent appropriations Acts, and only to the extent that the full extent of anticipated costs stemming from such commitments is recorded as an obligation up front and in full at the time it is made; or

(B) such committing agreement includes a clause conditioning the Federal Government’s obligation on the availability of future year appropriations.

(6) SunsetThe authority of the Secretary to carry out the program under this subsection shall expire on the earlier of—

(A)September 30, 2034; or

(B) 90 days after the date on which HA–LEU is available to provide a reliable and adequate supply for civilian domestic advanced nuclear reactors in the commercial market.

(7) Limitation

(b) Reports to Congress

(1) Commission report on necessary regulatory updatesNot later than 12 months after December 27, 2020, the Commission shall submit to Congress a report that includes—

(A) identification of updates to regulations, certifications, and other regulatory policies that the Commission determines are necessary in order for HA–LEU to be commercially available, including—

(i) guidance for material control and accountability of special nuclear material;

(ii) certifications relating to transportation packaging for HA–LEU; and

(iii) licensing of enrichment, conversion, and fuel fabrication facilities for HA–LEU, and associated physical security plans for such facilities;

(B) a description of such updates; and

(2) DOE report on program to support the availability of HA–LEU for civilian domestic demonstration and commercial use

(A) In general

(B) Coordination and stakeholder inputIn developing the report under this paragraph, the Secretary shall consult with—

(i) the Commission;

(ii) suppliers of medical isotopes that have converted their operations to use HA–LEU;

(iii) the National Laboratories;

(iv) institutions of higher education;

(v) a diverse group of entities from the nuclear energy industry;

(vi) a diverse group of technology developers;

(vii) experts in nuclear nonproliferation, environmental safety, safeguards and security, and public health and safety; and

(viii) members of the consortium created under subsection (a)(2)(F).

(D) Required evaluationsThe report under this paragraph shall evaluate—

(i) the actions required to establish and carry out the program under subsection (a)(1) and the cost of such actions, including with respect to—(I) proposed preliminary terms for contracting between the Department and recipients of HA–LEU under the program (including guidelines defining the roles and responsibilities between the Department and the recipient); and(II) the potential to coordinate with recipients of HA–LEU under the program regarding—(aa) fuel fabrication; and(bb) fuel transport;

(ii) the potential sources and fuel forms available to provide uranium for the program under subsection (a)(1);

(iii) options to coordinate the program under subsection (a)(1) with the operation of the versatile, reactor-based fast neutron source under section 16279a of this title (as added by section 2003);

(iv) the ability of uranium producers to provide materials for advanced nuclear reactor fuel;

(v) any associated legal, regulatory, and policy issues that should be addressed to enable—(I) implementation of the program under subsection (a)(1); and(II) the establishment of an industry capable of providing HA–LEU; and

(vi) any research and development plans to develop criticality benchmark data under subsection (a)(2)(A), if needed.

(3) Alternate fuels report

(c) Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out research, development, demonstration, and transportation activities in this section—

(1) $31,500,000 for fiscal year 2021;

(2) $33,075,000 for fiscal year 2022;

(3) $34,728,750 for fiscal year 2023;

(4) $36,465,188 for fiscal year 2024; and

(5) $38,288,447 for fiscal year 2025.

(d) DefinitionsIn this section:

(1) Commission

(2) Demonstration project

(3) HA–LEU

(4) High-assay low-enriched uranium

(5) High-enriched uranium

(6) Secretary

(Pub. L. 116–260, div. Z, title II, § 2001, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2453.)

§ 16282. U.S. nuclear fuel security initiative

(a) Short title

(b) Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that—

(1) the Department should—

(A) support increased domestic production of low-enriched uranium; and

(B) accelerate efforts to establish a domestic high-assay, low-enriched uranium enrichment capability; and

(2) if domestic enrichment of high-assay, low-enriched uranium will not be commercially available at the scale needed in time to meet the needs of the advanced nuclear reactor demonstration projects of the Department, the Secretary shall consider and implement, as necessary—

(A) all viable options to make high-assay, low-enriched uranium produced from inventories owned by the Department available in a manner that is sufficient to maximize the potential for the Department to meet the needs and schedules of advanced nuclear reactor developers, without impacting existing Department missions, until such time that commercial enrichment and deconversion capability for high-assay, low-enriched uranium exists at a scale sufficient to meet future needs; and

(B) all viable options for partnering with countries that are allies or partners of the United States to meet those needs and schedules until that time.

(1) to support domestic production of low-enriched uranium;

(2) to expeditiously increase domestic production of high-assay, low-enriched uranium by an annual quantity, and in such form, determined by the Secretary to be sufficient to meet the needs of—

(A) advanced nuclear reactor developers; and

(B) the consortium;

(3) to ensure the availability of domestically produced, converted, enriched, deconverted, and reduced uranium in a quantity determined by the Secretary, in consultation with U.S. nuclear energy companies, to be sufficient to address a reasonably anticipated supply disruption;

(4) to address gaps and deficiencies in the domestic production, conversion, enrichment, deconversion, and reduction of uranium by partnering with countries that are allies or partners of the United States if domestic options are not practicable;

(5) to ensure that, in the event of a supply disruption in the nuclear fuel market, a reserve of nuclear fuels is available to serve as a backup supply to support the nuclear nonproliferation and civil nuclear energy objectives of the Department, including collaborative research and development activities with other Federal agencies;

(6) to support enrichment, deconversion, and reduction technology deployed in the United States; and

(7) to ensure that, until such time that domestic enrichment and deconversion of high-assay, low-enriched uranium is commercially available at the scale needed to meet the needs of advanced nuclear reactor developers, the Secretary considers and implements, as necessary—

(B) all viable options for partnering with countries that are allies or partners of the United States to meet those needs and schedules.

(d) DefinitionsIn this section:

(1) Advanced nuclear reactor

(2) Associated entityThe term “associated entity” means an entity that—

(A) is owned, controlled, or dominated by—

(i) the government of a country that is an ally or partner of the United States; or

(ii) an associated individual; or

(B) is organized under the laws of, or otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of, a country that is an ally or partner of the United States, including a corporation that is incorporated in such a country.

(3) Associated individual

(4) Consortium

(5) Department

(6) High-assay, low-enriched uranium; HALEU

(7) Low-enriched uranium; LEUThe term “low-enriched uranium” or “LEU” means each of—

(A) low-enriched uranium (as defined in section 2297h) of this title; and

(B) low-enriched uranium (as defined in section 2297h–10a(a) of this title).

(8) ProgramsThe term “Programs” means—

(A) the Nuclear Fuel Security Program established under subsection (e)(1);

(B) the American Assured Fuel Supply Program of the Department; and

(9) Secretary

(10) U.S. nuclear energy companyThe term “U.S. nuclear energy company” means a company that—

(A) is organized under the laws of, or otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of, the United States; and

(B) is involved in the nuclear energy industry.

(e) Establishment and expansion of programsThe Secretary, consistent with the objectives described in subsection (c), shall—

(1) establish a program, to be known as the “Nuclear Fuel Security Program”, to increase the quantity of HALEU and, if determined to be necessary after completion of a market evaluation, LEU produced by U.S. nuclear energy companies;

(2) expand the American Assured Fuel Supply Program of the Department to ensure the availability of domestically produced, converted, enriched, deconverted, and reduced uranium in the event of a supply disruption; and

(3) establish a program, to be known as the “HALEU for Advanced Nuclear Reactor Demonstration Projects Program”—

(A) to maximize the potential for the Department to meet the needs and schedules of advanced nuclear reactor developers until such time that commercial enrichment and deconversion capability for HALEU exists in the United States at a scale sufficient to meet future needs; and

(B) where practicable, to partner with countries that are allies or partners of the United States to meet those needs and schedules until that time.

(f) Nuclear Fuel Security Program

(1) In generalIn carrying out the Nuclear Fuel Security Program, the Secretary—

(A) shall—

(i) if determined to be necessary or appropriate based on the completion of a market evaluation, not later than 90 days after December 22, 2023, take actions, including cost-shared financial agreements, milestone-based payments, or other mechanisms, to support commercial availability of LEU and to promote diversity of supply in domestic uranium mining, conversion, enrichment, and deconversion capacity and technologies, including new capacity, among U.S. nuclear energy companies;

(ii) not later than 180 days after December 22, 2023, enter into 2 or more contracts with members of the consortium to begin acquiring not less than 20 metric tons per year of HALEU by December 31, 2027 (or the earliest operationally feasible date thereafter), from U.S. nuclear energy companies;

(iii) utilize only uranium produced, converted, enriched, deconverted, and reduced in—(I) the United States; or(II) if domestic options are not practicable, a country that is an ally or partner of the United States; and

(iv) to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that the use of domestic uranium utilized as a result of that program does not negatively affect the economic operation of nuclear reactors in the United States; and

(B)

(i) may not make commitments under this subsection (including cooperative agreements (used in accordance with section 6305 of title 31), purchase agreements, guarantees, leases, service contracts, or any other type of commitment) for the purchase or other acquisition of HALEU or LEU unless funds are specifically provided for those purposes in advance in appropriations Acts enacted after March 9, 2024; and

(ii) may make a commitment described in clause (i) only—(I) if the full extent of the anticipated costs stemming from the commitment is recorded as an obligation at the time that the commitment is made; and(II) to the extent of that up-front obligation recorded in full at that time.

(2) ConsiderationsIn carrying out paragraph (1)(A)(ii), the Secretary shall consider and, if appropriate, implement—

(A) options to ensure the quickest availability of commercially enriched HALEU, including—

(i) partnerships between 2 or more commercial enrichers; and

(ii) utilization of up to 10-percent enriched uranium as feedstock in demonstration-scale or commercial HALEU enrichment facilities;

(B) options to partner with countries that are allies or partners of the United States to provide LEU and HALEU for commercial purposes;

(i) enrichment levels;

(ii) output levels to meet demand; and

(iii) fuel forms, including uranium metal and oxide; and

(D) options—

(i) to replenish, as necessary, Department stockpiles of uranium that were intended to be downblended for other purposes, but were instead used in carrying out activities under the HALEU for Advanced Nuclear Reactor Demonstration Projects Program;

(ii) to continue supplying HALEU to meet the needs of the recipients of an award made pursuant to the funding opportunity announcement of the Department numbered DE–FOA–0002271 for Pathway 1, Advanced Reactor Demonstrations; and

(iii) to make HALEU available to other advanced nuclear reactor developers and other end-users.

(3) Avoidance of market disruptions

(g) Expansion of the American Assured Fuel Supply ProgramThe Secretary, in consultation with U.S. nuclear energy companies, shall—

(1) expand the American Assured Fuel Supply Program of the Department by merging the operations of the Uranium Reserve Program of the Department with the American Assured Fuel Supply Program; and

(2) in carrying out the American Assured Fuel Supply Program of the Department, as expanded under paragraph (1)—

(A) maintain, replenish, diversify, or increase the quantity of uranium made available by that program in a manner determined by the Secretary to be consistent with the purposes of that program and the objectives described in subsection (c);

(B) utilize only uranium produced, converted, enriched, deconverted, and reduced in—

(i) the United States; or

(ii) if domestic options are not practicable, a country that is an ally or partner of the United States;

(C) make uranium available from the American Assured Fuel Supply, subject to terms and conditions determined by the Secretary to be reasonable and appropriate;

(D) refill and expand the supply of uranium in the American Assured Fuel Supply, including by maintaining a limited reserve of uranium to address a potential event in which a domestic or foreign recipient of uranium experiences a supply disruption for which uranium cannot be obtained through normal market mechanisms or under normal market conditions; and

(E) take other actions that the Secretary determines to be necessary or appropriate to address the purposes of that program and the objectives described in subsection (c).

(h) HALEU for Advanced Nuclear Reactor Demonstration Projects Program

(1) Activities

(2) QuantityIn carrying out activities under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider and implement, as necessary, all viable options to make HALEU available in quantities and forms sufficient to maximize the potential for the Department to meet the needs and schedules of advanced nuclear reactor developers, including by seeking to make available—

(A) by September 30, 2024, not less than 3 metric tons of HALEU;

(B) by December 31, 2025, not less than an additional 8 metric tons of HALEU; and

(3) Factors for considerationIn carrying out activities under this subsection, the Secretary shall take into consideration—

(A) options for providing HALEU from a stockpile of uranium owned by the Department, including—

(i) uranium that has been declared excess to national security needs during or prior to fiscal year 2023;

(ii) uranium that—(I) directly meets the needs of advanced nuclear reactor developers; but(II) has been previously used or fabricated for another purpose;

(iii) uranium that can meet the needs of advanced nuclear reactor developers after removing radioactive or other contaminants that resulted from previous use or fabrication of the fuel for research, development, demonstration, or deployment activities of the Department, including activities that reduce the environmental liability of the Department by accelerating the processing of uranium from stockpiles designated as waste;

(iv) uranium from a high-enriched uranium stockpile (excluding stockpiles intended for national security needs), which can be blended with lower assay uranium to become HALEU to meet the needs of advanced nuclear reactor developers; and

(v) uranium from stockpiles intended for other purposes (excluding stockpiles intended for national security needs), but for which uranium could be swapped or replaced in time in such a manner that would not negatively impact the missions of the Department;

(B) options for expanding, or establishing new, capabilities or infrastructure to support the processing of uranium from Department inventories;

(D) options for providing HALEU from domestically enriched HALEU procured by the Department through a competitive process pursuant to the Nuclear Fuel Security Program established under subsection (e)(1);

(E) options to replenish, as needed, Department stockpiles of uranium made available pursuant to subparagraph (A) with domestically enriched HALEU procured by the Department through a competitive process pursuant to the Nuclear Fuel Security Program established under subsection (e)(1); and

(F) options that combine 1 or more of the approaches described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) to meet the deadlines described in paragraph (2).

(4) Limitations

(A) Certain servicesThe Secretary shall not barter or otherwise sell or transfer uranium in any form in exchange for services relating to—

(i) the final disposition of radioactive waste from uranium that is the subject of a contract for sale, resale, transfer, or lease under this subsection; or

(ii) environmental cleanup activities.

(B) Certain commitmentsIn carrying out activities under this subsection, the Secretary—

(5) SunsetThe authority of the Secretary to carry out activities under this subsection shall terminate on the earlier of—

(A) the date on which the Secretary notifies Congress that the HALEU needs of advanced nuclear reactor developers can be fully met by commercial HALEU suppliers in the United States, as determined by the Secretary, in consultation with U.S. nuclear energy companies; and

(B)September 30, 2034.

(i) Domestic sourcing considerations

(1) In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary may only carry out an activity in connection with 1 or more of the Programs if—

(A) the activity promotes manufacturing in the United States associated with uranium supply chains; or

(B) the activity relies on resources, materials, or equipment developed or produced—

(i) in the United States; or

(ii) in a country that is an ally or partner of the United States by—(I) the government of that country;(II) an associated entity; or(III) a U.S. nuclear energy company.

(2) Waiver

(j) Reasonable compensation

(k) Nuclear Regulatory Commission

(l) USEC Privatization Act

(m) National security needs

(n) International agreements

(o) Report on civil nuclear credit programNot later than 180 days after December 22, 2023, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that identifies the anticipated funding requirements for the civil nuclear credit program described in section 18753 of this title, taking into account—

(1) the zero-emission nuclear power production credit authorized by section 45U of title 26; and

(2) any increased fuel costs associated with the use of domestic fuel that may arise from the implementation of that program.

(Pub. L. 118–31, div. C, title XXXI, § 3131, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 795; Pub. L. 118–42, div. D, title III, § 312(c), Mar. 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 211.)