(IDAHO FALLS, Idaho) – Today, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy and the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) announced the first developers selected for the newly established Nuclear Energy Launch Pad. The initiative helps private nuclear developers move their technologies from concept to commercial deployment.
“Nuclear Energy Launch Pad builds on the foundation of DOE’s pilot programs to open new doors for developers – broadening the scope beyond reactor and fuel technologies to welcome a wider range of nuclear technologies and applications, and creating more pathways, more flexibility and more opportunities to move promising technologies to deployment,” said NRIC Director Brad Tomer.
Initial Launch Pad participant selection
DOE reviewed and competitively selected four companies from the initial pool of Reactor Pilot Program and Fuel Line Pilot Program applicants to be included in the Launch Pad Program. Inclusion in the program allows these companies to begin discussion with NRIC on the enhanced technical, regulatory and deployment support Launch Pad is able to provide.
Today’s selections include:
Launch Pad is the next iteration of DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program and Fuel Line Pilot Program, which are no longer accepting applications. NRIC plans to issue an official call for Launch Pad applications in the coming weeks and anticipates announcing additional selections for the initiative later this year.
About the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad
The Nuclear Energy Launch Pad builds on the success of DOE’s pilot programs to support innovation in advanced nuclear technology on federal and nonfederal lands. It creates two pathways for developers: Launch Pad INL for nuclear projects at Idaho National Laboratory; and Launch Pad U.S.A., for nuclear projects outside INL with flexible regulatory and technical support. Learn more about the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad initiative .
NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS:
Joelyn Hansen, 208-201-7650, joelyn.hansen@inl.gov
Sarah Neumann, 208-520-1651, sarah.neumann@inl.gov