US seeks pilot production lines for advanced reactor fuel

Friday, 18 July 2025

In response to executive orders signed by President Trump on 23 May, the Department of Energy (DOE) last month launched a pilot programme to expedite the testing of advanced nuclear reactor designs under DOE authority outside of the national laboratories, with the goal of three reactors reaching criticality by 4 July 2026. It issued a Request for Application (RFA) as it seeks "qualified US reactor companies" interested in constructing and operating the test reactors. DOE said it is currently reviewing potential applicants and anticipates selecting at least three advanced reactor designs in the coming months.

In a move to establish a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain for testing those new reactors, the DOE has now issued a Request for Application and is seeking qualified US companies to build and operate nuclear fuel production lines using the DOE authorisation process. It said it is "relying on the same authority used to expedite testing to jumpstart fuel line development and rebuild America's nuclear fuel production base".

The DOE said the new advanced nuclear fuel lines will serve research, development, and demonstration purposes. It noted that DOE authorisation will unlock the next level of private funding and provide a fast track to a Nuclear Regulatory Commission licence, "and hence, commercialisation for authorised fuel fabrication lines". 

Applicants will be responsible for all costs associated with the construction, operation, and decommissioning of an advanced nuclear fuel line, as well as the procurement of all nuclear material feedstock. The selections will be based on a set of criteria, including technological readiness, established fuel fabrication plans, and financial viability.

Initial applications are due by 15 August, with subsequent applications allowed on a rolling basis.

"America has the resources and the expertise to lead the world in nuclear energy development, but we need secure domestic supply chains to fuel this rapidly growing energy source and achieve a true nuclear energy renaissance," said Energy Secretary Chris Wright. "The Trump Administration is accelerating innovation, not regulation, and leveraging partnerships with the private sector to safely fuel and test new reactor designs that will unleash more reliable and affordable energy for American consumers."