DOE Issues NOI to fund up to $900M to support Small Modular Reactor technologies
Notice of Intent - More details to be announced.
Announcement Type: Notice of Intent (More details to be announced)
Opportunity: FY 2024 Generation Iii+ Small Modular Reactor Pathway To Deployment Program
Overview and Eligible Uses:
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers funding, made possible in part by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, for the deployment of Gen III+ Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), divided into two tiers:
Tier 1: First Mover Team Support (Up to $800M) This tier supports the near-term deployment of Gen III+ SMR technologies, funding up to two reliable, licensable, commercially viable projects. Eligible teams must include a U.S. Gen III+ technology vendor and at least two domestic partners, including a utility. Priority is given to projects with binding agreements, a documented reactor technology, full power subscription, a financing strategy, risk mitigation plans, community engagement, and a multi-reactor deployment strategy. Funds will help cover early capital outlay for site development, reactor design, and early procurements, with potential access to additional financing from the Loan Programs Office.
Tier 2: Fast Follower Deployment Support (Up to $100M) This tier addresses barriers to Gen III+ SMR commercialization, supporting projects for early 2030s deployment through three sub-tiers:
SMR Site Selection and Preparation - Supports siting initiatives and coal-to-nuclear transition studies.
SMR Supply Chain Development - Enhances the U.S. nuclear supply chain's competitiveness and capacity.
SMR Project Improvement - Increases confidence in cost and schedule estimates through milestone-based awards.
Projects must align with the Fission for the Future authorization, support early deployment, and promote domestic nuclear industry growth. DOE will prioritize applications that leverage regional capabilities and public-private synergies, using various funding mechanisms to maximize flexibility and impact.
Amount: Total Program Funding: $900M. Tier 1: ceiling of $800 million. Tier 2: ceiling of $100 million.
Award Type: Cooperative Agreement - Discretionary
Eligible Applicants:
Tier 1: A team that includes a U.S. Gen III+ technology vendor along with two or more domestic deployment partners, one of which must be a utility. The prime applicant should be a utility or end-user/off-taker that is a U.S. entity.
Tier 2.1: Planned U.S. owners or utilities for domestic Gen III+ SMR deployment projects.
Tier 2.2: Domestic entities looking to improve the domestic supply chain needed for the near-term deployment of Gen III+ SMRs.
Tier 2.3: Planned U.S. owners or utilities for domestic Gen III+ SMR deployment projects.
Key Dates: TBD
Key Links:
For a full list of currently available grant programs under the Infrastructure Law and other helpful tools, take a look at our Helpful Resources page.
This tracker will continue to send updates when new funding opportunities are announced.