Thirteen new nuclear energy projects received a boost toward deployment from the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC), located at Idaho National Laboratory. The center selected 12 developers to join its Nuclear Energy Launch Pad initiative.

The goal is to help energy companies turn designs into reality. The selected projects cover new reactor designs and advances in the nuclear fuel cycle, including fabrication, enrichment, and conversion technologies.

Quickly Moving Forward

Photo: vectorfusionart/Shutterstock

Getting approvals and finding proper testing facilities is challenging. Launch Pad gives developers a streamlined path through Department of Energy authorizations, along with access to experts and specialized equipment.

“These selections show a strong and growing interest from developers ready to move their technologies forward,” said NRIC Director Brad Tomer. “Nuclear Energy Launch Pad gives these developers a prioritized pathway to the DOE authorization process, and access to subject matter experts, facilities, and regulatory support tailored to their needs. We’re helping bridge the gap between concept and commercialization — and these selections show that pipeline is only getting stronger.”

The chosen companies include Antares Nuclear, Atlas Atomics, Deployable Energy (with two projects), Forge Atomics, Hexium Inc., Lightbridge Corporation, Nusano, Inc., Oklo, Raven-Flint Nuclear, Scaled Atomics, Sublime Nuclear, and Valar Atomics.

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Strengthening the Nuclear Fuel Supply

A major focus is on building a strong domestic fuel supply.

“A resilient nuclear fuel supply chain is essential to America’s energy future, and the projects selected today reflect real progress on fabrication, enrichment, and conversion technologies,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Josh Jarrell.

Officials note that this round builds directly on earlier pilot programs.

“Building on the early momentum of DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program and Fuel Line Pilot Program, this round of selections proves those efforts weren’t a one-time success,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors Chimi Zacot.

NRIC will continue accepting applications on a rolling basis, so teams that missed out can reapply.