Thursday, 24 April 2025
The US Department of Energy’s Generation III+ SMR programme aims to spur the first deployments of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the USA and originally opened for applications last October with up to USD800 million to go to two “first-mover” teams and a further USD100 million to address so-called gaps that have hindered plant deployments.
In the solicitation, a Gen III+ SMR is defined as a nuclear fission reactor that uses light water as a coolant and low-enriched uranium fuel, with a single-unit net electrical power output of 50-350 MWe, that maximises factory fabrication approaches, and the same or improved safety, security, and environmental benefits compared with current large nuclear power plant designs. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) consortium submitted its application in January.
However the US Department of Energy updated the grant criteria in March and asked applicants to reapply. In its announcement it said that the changes were “to better align with President Trump’s bold agenda to unleash American energy and AI dominance”. The main change listed was that “all community benefits requirements, and related elements, have been removed from the solicitation”. Community Benefits had been due to be one of five evaluated criteria, and included things like local engagement and alignment of community benefits with community priorities. Previous applicants were told to revise their applications to remove “any Community Benefit Plan information, and re-submit their application in its entirety” by 17:00 ET on 23 April.
The revised applications will be judged on the four remaining criteria of: Project Achievability and Potential Impact; Financial Viability; Licensing and Construction Workplan; and Management Team and Programme Partners
The coalition, which includes Bechtel, BWX Technologies, Duke Energy, Electric Power Research Institute, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, American Electric Power company Indiana Michigan Power, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Sargent & Lundy, Scot Forge, other utilities and advanced nuclear project developers and the State of Tennessee, has now submitted its fresh application.
TVA – a corporate agency of the USA which is the country’s largest public power supplier – is considering the deployment of GE Hitachi ‘s BWRX-300 SMRs at Clinch River near Oak Ridge in Tennessee. It already has an early site permit and has said that the funding could accelerate construction of an SMR at Clinch River by two years, with commercial operation planned for 2032.
Don Moul, TVA President and CEO. said: “TVA and our partners are leading the way for new nuclear in America to power artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing. These are the industries that will create jobs and investment across the country. At TVA, we know nuclear power is key to our region’s – and nation’s – energy security. If awarded, this grant will help TVA and our coalition members build the nation’s first SMR and provide families and businesses with affordable and abundant energy.”
He said that by working with its partners TVA was supporting energy independence by establishing a domestic supply chain “which will create American jobs and support future deployments of advanced nuclear units in the US and beyond”. TVA has completed the Environmental Review for the Clinch River project and its goal is to submit its Construction Permit Application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission this summer. It says preliminary site preparation could begin in 2026.
Holtec also applying
Also announcing its application to the fund, via a on Wednesday, Holtec International said its was “proud to announce its Tier 1 ‘First Mover’ application to the US Department of Energy’s Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor Program, centred on our flagship plan to build the nation’s first two commercial SMR-300 reactors at the Palisades site in Covert, Michigan. Targeting first power by 2030, our Mission 2030 initiative will position the Palisades SMR project as the reference plant for all future SMR-300 deployments – domestically and globally. Our application requests strategic funding to accelerate delivery of the Palisades SMR-300 project by advancing long-lead procurements, 10CFR50 licensing milestones, and preconstruction activities ahead of construction loan closure. With site ownership, mature technology, and proven partners already in place, Holtec is uniquely positioned to deliver on this ambitious schedule”.
It is also applying for the USD100 million Tier 2 ‘Fast Follower Deployment Support’ funding, focusing on an “environmental report for the Oyster Creek site to support a future Construction Permit Application and extend the Palisades SMR blueprint to the East Coast”. And for a “comprehensive Operator Training Program – featuring a full-scope SMR-300 simulator to prepare the highly skilled workforce essential to our expanding SMR fleet”.
It added: “With the Palisades SMR-300 project leading the way, Holtec is laying the foundation for a new era of clean, safe, and reliable nuclear power. We are proud to help realize the U.S. vision for strong, clean baseload generation in response to the national energy emergency and stand ready to deliver scalable nuclear innovation for generations to come.”
