Nuclear Energy Research and Development Act
This bill expands programs at the Department of Energy for nuclear energy research, development, demonstration, and commercialization.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6097 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 6097
To provide for a program of nuclear energy research, development,
demonstration, and commercialization, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 5, 2020
Mr. Lamb (for himself and Mr. Newhouse) introduced the following bill;
which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To provide for a program of nuclear energy research, development,
demonstration, and commercialization, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nuclear Energy Research and
Development Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
Section 951(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C.
16271(b)) is amended--
(1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) Advanced nuclear reactor.--The term `advanced nuclear
reactor' means--
``(A) a nuclear fission reactor, including a
prototype plant (as defined in sections 50.2 and 52.1
of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor
regulations)), with significant improvements compared
to reactors operating on the date of enactment of the
Nuclear Energy Research and Development Act, including
improvements such as--
``(i) additional inherent safety features;
``(ii) lower waste yields;
``(iii) improved fuel performance;
``(iv) increased tolerance to loss of fuel
cooling;
``(v) enhanced reliability;
``(vi) increased proliferation resistance;
``(vii) increased thermal efficiency;
``(viii) reduced consumption of cooling
water and other environmental impacts;
``(ix) the ability to integrate into
electric applications and nonelectric
applications;
``(x) modular sizes to allow for deployment
that corresponds with the demand for
electricity;
``(xi) operational flexibility to respond
to changes in demand for electricity and to
complement integration with intermittent
renewable energy; or
``(xii) improved resilience; and
``(B) a fusion reactor.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' has the meaning given the
term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001(a)).''.
SEC. 3. NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION, AND
COMMERCIAL APPLICATION PROGRAMS.
(a) Reactor Concepts Research, Development, and Demonstration.--
Section 952 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16272) is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 952. REACTOR CONCEPTS RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION, AND
COMMERCIAL APPLICATION.
``(a) Sustainability Program for Light Water Reactors.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a program
of research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application to support existing operating nuclear power plants
which shall address technologies to modernize and improve, with
respect to such plants--
``(A) reliability;
``(B) capacity;
``(C) component aging;
``(D) safety;
``(E) physical security and security costs;
``(F) plant lifetime;
``(G) operations and maintenance costs, including
by utilizing risk-informed systems analysis;
``(H) the ability for plants to operate flexibly;
``(I) nuclear hybrid energy system applications
described in subsection (c);
``(J) efficiency;
``(K) environmental impacts; and
``(L) resilience.
``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the
program under this subsection--
``(A) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
``(B) $57,750,000 for fiscal year 2022;
``(C) $60,637,500 for fiscal year 2023;
``(D) $63,669,375 for fiscal year 2024; and
``(E) $66,852,844 for fiscal year 2025.
``(b) Advanced Reactor Technologies.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a program
of research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application to support advanced reactor technologies.
``(2) Requirements.--In carrying out the program under this
subsection, the Secretary shall--
``(A) prioritize designs for advanced nuclear
reactors that are proliferation resistant and passively
safe, including designs that, compared to reactors
operating on the date of enactment of the Nuclear
Energy Research and Development Act--
``(i) are economically competitive with
other electric power generation plants;
``(ii) have higher efficiency, lower cost,
less environmental impacts, increased
resilience, and improved safety;
``(iii) use fuels that are proliferation-
resistant and have reduced production of high-
level waste per unit of output; and
``(iv) use advanced instrumentation and
monitoring systems;
``(B) consult with the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission on appropriate metrics to consider for the
criteria specified in subparagraph (A);
``(C) support research and development to resolve
materials challenges relating to extreme environments,
including environments that contain high levels of--
``(i) radiation fluence;
``(ii) temperature;
``(iii) pressure; and
``(iv) corrosion;
``(D) support research and development to aid in
the qualification of advanced fuels, including
fabrication techniques;
``(E) support activities that address near-term
challenges in modeling and simulation to enable
accelerated design of and licensing of advanced nuclear
reactors, including the identification of tools and
methodologies for validating such modeling and
simulation efforts;
``(F) develop technologies, including technologies
to manage, reduce, or reuse nuclear waste;
``(G) ensure that nuclear research infrastructure
is maintained or constructed, including--
``(i) currently operational research
reactors at the National Laboratories and
institutions of higher education;
``(ii) hot cell research facilities;
``(iii) a versatile fast neutron source;
and
``(iv) advanced coolant testing facilities,
including coolants such as lead, sodium, gas,
and molten salt;
``(H) improve scientific understanding of nonlight
water coolant physics and chemistry;
``(I) develop advanced sensors and control systems,
including the identification of tools and methodologies
for validating such sensors and systems;
``(J) investigate advanced manufacturing and
advanced construction techniques and materials to
reduce the cost of advanced nuclear reactors, including
the use of digital twins and of strategies to implement
project and construction management best practices, and
study the effects of radiation on materials created
with these techniques;
``(K) consult with the Administrator of the
National Nuclear Security Administration to integrate
reactor safeguards and security into design;
``(L) support efforts to reduce any technical
barriers that would prevent commercial application of
advanced nuclear energy systems; and
``(M) develop various safety analyses and emergency
preparedness and response methodologies.
``(3) Coordination.--The Secretary shall coordinate with
individuals engaged in the private sector and individuals who
are experts in nuclear non-proliferation, environmental and
public health and safety, and economics to advance the
development of various designs of advanced nuclear reactors.
``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the
program under this subsection $55,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2021 through 2025.
``(c) Nuclear Hybrid Energy Systems Research, Development,
Demonstration, and Commercial Application Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a program
of research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application to develop nuclear hybrid energy systems, composed
of 2 or more colocated or jointly operated subsystems of energy
generation, energy storage, or other technologies and in which
not in which not less than 1 such subsystem is a nuclear energy
system, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both the power
and nonpower sectors.
``(2) Coordination.--In carrying out the program under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall coordinate with relevant
program offices within the Department of Energy.
``(3) Focus areas.--The program under paragraph (1) may
include research, development, demonstration, or commercial
application of nuclear hybrid energy systems with respect to--
``(A) desalination of water;
``(B) hydrogen or other fuel production;
``(C) heat for industrial processes;
``(D) district heating;
``(E) heat storage;
``(F) carbon capture, use, utilization, and
storage;
``(G) microgrid or island applications;
``(H) integrated systems modeling, analysis, and
optimization, inclusive of different configurations of
hybrid energy systems; and
``(I) integrated design, planning, and operation of
systems with existing infrastructure, including
interconnection requirements with the electric grid, as
appropriate.
``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the
program under this subsection--
``(A) $52,500,000 for fiscal year 2021;
``(B) $55,125,000 for fiscal year 2022;
``(C) $57,881,250 for fiscal year 2023;
``(D) $60,775,313 for fiscal year 2024; and
``(E) $63,814,078 for fiscal year 2025.''.
(b) Fuel Cycle Research and Development.--Section 953 of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16273) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 953. FUEL CYCLE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION, AND
COMMERCIAL APPLICATION.
``(a) High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium Research, Development,
Demonstration, and Commercial Application for Advanced Nuclear
Reactors.--
``(1) Definitions.--In this section:
``(A) High-assay, low-enriched uranium.--The term
`high-assay, low-enriched uranium' means uranium with
an assay greater than 5 weight percent, but less than
20 weight percent, of the uranium-235 isotope.
``(B) High-enriched uranium.--The term `high-
enriched uranium' means uranium with an assay of 20
weight percent or more of the uranium-235 isotope.
``(2) Program.--
``(A) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary
shall establish a program of research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application to make
available high-assay, low-enriched uranium for use in
civilian advanced nuclear reactors.
``(B) Nuclear fuel ownership.--Uranium made
available under this subsection shall remain the
property of the Department, which shall be responsible
for the storage, use, and disposition of all
radioactive waste created by the irradiation,
processing, or purification of such uranium, and shall
not be deemed to be a sale or transfer of uranium
subject to sections 3112 and 3113 of the USEC
Privatization Act (42 U.S.C. 2297h-10 and 42 USC 2297h-
11).
``(C) Goal.--In carrying out the program under this
subsection, the Secretary shall demonstrate the
capability to produce high-assay, low-enriched uranium,
with the goal of having the capability of producing
amounts needed to provide a reliable and available
supply for advanced nuclear reactors by December 31,
2025.
``(D) Factors for consideration.--In carrying out
the program under this subsection, the Secretary shall
take into consideration options for providing high-
assay, low-enriched uranium for use in civilian
advanced nuclear reactors under this subsection from a
stockpile of uranium owned by the Department or using
enrichment technology, prioritizing methods that would
produce useable material the quickest, including--
``(i) fuel that--
``(I) directly meets the needs of
an end user; and
``(II) has been previously used or
fabricated for another purpose;
``(ii) fuel that can meet the needs of an
end user after removing radioactive or other
contaminants that resulted from a previous use
or fabrication of the fuel for research,
development, demonstration, or deployment
activities of the Department; and
``(iii) fuel from a high-enriched uranium
stockpile, which can be blended with lower
assay uranium to become high-assay, low-
enriched uranium to meet the needs of an end
user.
``(E) Selection.--The Secretary shall determine
awardees of uranium under this section through a merit-
based, competitive selection process for use in
advanced reactor demonstration projects.
``(F) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not barter
or otherwise sell or transfer uranium in any form in
exchange for services relating to the final disposition
of radioactive waste from uranium that is made
available under this subsection.
``(G) Sunset.--The program under this subsection
shall terminate on the earlier of--
``(i) January 1, 2035; or
``(ii) 90 days after the date on which
uranium enriched up to, but not equal to, 20
weight percent is available to provide a
reliable and adequate supply for domestic
advanced nuclear reactors in the commercial
market.
``(3) Report.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary
shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate
a report that describes actions proposed to be carried
out by the Secretary to enable the availability of
high-assay, low-enriched uranium for research,
development, demonstration or commercial application
under the program under paragraph (2).
``(B) Coordination and stakeholder input.--In
developing the report under this subsection, the
Secretary shall consult with--
``(i) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission;
``(ii) the National Nuclear Security
Administration;
``(iii) the National Laboratories;
``(iv) institutions of higher education;
``(v) a diverse group of entities from the
nuclear energy industry;
``(vi) a diverse group of technology
developers; and
``(vii) experts in nuclear non-
proliferation, environmental and public health
and safety, and economics.
``(C) Cost and schedule estimates.--The report
under this subsection shall include estimated costs,
budgets, and timeframes for enabling the availability
of high-assay, low-enriched uranium for research,
development, demonstration, or commercial application.
``(D) Required evaluations.--The report under this
subsection shall evaluate--
``(i) the actions required to establish and
carry out the program under paragraph (2) and
the cost of such actions, including with
respect to--
``(I) proposed preliminary terms
for contracting between the Department
and awardees (including guidelines
defining the roles and responsibilities
between the Department and the
awardee); and
``(II) the potential to coordinate
with awardees regarding--
``(aa) fuel fabrication;
and
``(bb) fuel transport;
``(ii) the potential sources and fuel forms
available to provide uranium for the program
under paragraph (2);
``(iii) options to coordinate the program
under paragraph (2) with the operation of the
versatile, reactor-based fast neutron source
under section 959A;
``(iv) the ability of uranium producers to
provide materials for advanced nuclear reactor
fuel;
``(v) any associated legal, regulatory, and
policy issues that should be addressed to
enable--
``(I) the program under paragraph
(2); and
``(II) the establishment of an
industry capable of providing high-
assay, low-enriched uranium;
``(vi) industry needs for high-assay, low-
enriched uranium predicted over a 10-year
period, as determined by surveying industry
stakeholders; and
``(vii) research and development plans to
develop testing to provide criticality
benchmark data for the validation of fuel use,
transportation, and storage.
``(4) High-assay, low-enriched uranium transportation
package research program.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
program of research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application under which the Secretary shall
provide financial assistance to entities that the
Secretary determines appropriate, on a competitive
basis, to establish the capability to safely and
securely transport gaseous or solid high-assay, low-
enriched uranium.
``(B) Requirement.--The focus of the program under
this subsection shall be to establish 1 or more high-
assay, low-enriched uranium transportation packages for
commercial application to transport high-assay, low-
enriched uranium to the various facilities involved in
producing or using nuclear fuel containing high-assay,
low-enriched uranium, such as--
``(i) fuel processing facilities;
``(ii) fuel fabrication facilities; and
``(iii) nuclear reactors.
``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the
program under this subsection--
``(A) $31,500,000 for fiscal year 2021;
``(B) $33,075,000 for fiscal year 2022;
``(C) $34,728,750 for fiscal year 2023;
``(D) $36,465,188 for fiscal year 2024; and
``(E) $38,288,447 for fiscal year 2025.
``(b) Alternate Fuels Report.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, after
consulting with relevant entities, including National Laboratories,
institutions of higher education, and technology developers, submit to
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of
the Senate a report identifying any and all options for providing
nuclear material, containing isotopes other than the uranium-235
isotope, such as uranium-233 and thorium-232 to be used as fuel for
advanced nuclear reactor research, development, demonstration, or
commercial application purposes.
``(c) Used Nuclear Fuel Research, Development, Demonstration, and
Commercial Application.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct an advanced
fuel cycle research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application program that improves fuel cycle performance and
supports a variety of options for used nuclear fuel storage,
use, and disposal, including advanced nuclear reactor concepts,
while minimizing environmental and public health and safety
impacts, including--
``(A) dry cask storage;
``(B) consolidated interim storage;
``(C) deep geological storage and disposal,
including mined repository, and other technologies;
``(D) used nuclear fuel transportation;
``(E) integrated waste management systems;
``(F) vitrification;
``(G) fuel recycling and transmutation
technologies, including advanced reprocessing
technologies and plutonium uranium redox extraction
technologies;
``(H) advanced materials to be used in
subparagraphs (A) through (G); and
``(I) other areas as determined by the Secretary.
``(2) Requirements.--In carrying out the program under this
subsection, the Secretary shall--
``(A) ensure all activities and designs incorporate
state of the art safeguards technologies and techniques
to reduce risk of proliferation;
``(B) consult with the Administrator of the
National Nuclear Security Administration to integrate
safeguards and security by design;
``(C) consider the potential benefits and other
impacts of those activities for civilian nuclear
applications, environmental health and safety, and
national security, including consideration of public
consent; and
``(D) consider the economic viability of all
activities and designs.
``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the
program under this section--
``(A) $91,875,000 for fiscal year 2021;
``(B) $96,468,750 for fiscal year 2022;
``(C) $101,292,188 for fiscal year 2023;
``(D) $106,356,797 for fiscal year 2024; and
``(E) $111,674,637 for fiscal year 2025.
``(d) Advanced Fuels.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct an advanced
fuels research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application program on next-generation light water reactor and
advanced reactor fuels that demonstrate the potential for
improved--
``(A) performance;
``(B) accident tolerance;
``(C) proliferation resistance;
``(D) use of resources;
``(E) environmental impact; and
``(F) economics.
``(2) Requirements.--In carrying out the program under this
subsection, the Secretary shall--
``(A) focus on the development of advanced
technology fuels that offer improved accident-tolerance
and economic performance with the goal of initial
commercial application by December 31, 2025; and
``(B) cooperate with private industry and with
institutions of higher education through the Nuclear
Energy University and Integrated Research Projects
programs of the Department.
``(3) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate a report that describes how the
technologies and concepts studied under this program would
impact reactor economics, the fuel cycle, operations, safety,
proliferation, and the environment.
``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the
program under this section--
``(A) $131,880,000 for fiscal year 2021;
``(B) $138,474,000 for fiscal year 2022;
``(C) $145,397,700 for fiscal year 2023;
``(D) $152,667,585 for fiscal year 2024; and
``(E) $160,330,964 for fiscal year 2025.''.
(c) Nuclear Science and Engineering Support.--
(1) In general.--Section 954 of the Energy Policy Act of
2005 (42 U.S.C. 16274) is amended--
(A) in the section heading, by striking
``university nuclear'' and inserting ``nuclear'';
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1),
by striking ``this section'' and inserting
``this subsection''; and
(ii) by redesignating paragraphs (1)
through (5) as subparagraphs (A) through (E),
respectively, and indenting appropriately;
(C) in subsection (c), by redesignating paragraphs
(1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively,
and indenting appropriately;
(D) in subsection (d)--
(i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1),
by striking ``this section'' and inserting
``this subsection''; and
(ii) by redesignating paragraphs (1)
through (4) as subparagraphs (A) through (D),
respectively, and indenting appropriately;
(E) in subsection (e), by striking ``this section''
and inserting ``this subsection'';
(F) in subsection (f)--
(i) by striking ``this section'' and
inserting ``this subsection''; and
(ii) by striking ``subsection (b)(2)'' and
inserting ``paragraph (2)(B)'';
(G) by redesignating subsections (a) through (d) as
paragraphs (1) through (4), respectively, and indenting
appropriately;
(H) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as
paragraphs (7) and (8), respectively;
(I) by inserting after paragraph (4) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(5) Radiological facilities management.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a
program under which the Secretary shall provide project
management, technical support, quality engineering and
inspection, and nuclear material handling support to
research reactors located at universities.
``(B) Authorization of appropriations.--Of any
amounts appropriated to carry out the program under
this subsection, there are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the program
under this paragraph $20,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2021 through 2030.
``(6) Nuclear energy university program.--In carrying out
the programs under this section, the Department shall allocate
20 percent of funds appropriated to nuclear energy research and
development programs annually to fund university-led research
and university infrastructure projects through an open,
competitive solicitation process.'';
(J) by inserting before paragraph (1) (as so
redesignated) the following:
``(a) University Nuclear Science and Engineering Support.--''; and
(K) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Nuclear Energy Apprenticeship Subprogram.--
``(1) Establishment.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish a nuclear energy
apprenticeship subprogram under which the Secretary shall
competitively award traineeships and apprenticeships in
coordination with universities to provide focused, advanced
training to meet critical mission needs of the Department,
including in industries that are represented by skilled labor
unions.
``(2) Requirements.--In carrying out the subprogram under
this subsection, the Secretary shall--
``(A) encourage appropriate partnerships among
National Laboratories, affected universities, and
industry; and
``(B) on an annual basis, evaluate the needs of the
nuclear energy community to implement traineeships for
focused topical areas addressing mission-specific
workforce needs.
``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the
subprogram under this subsection $5,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2021 through 2030.''.
(d) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58; 119 Stat. 600) is amended by
striking the item relating to sections 952 through 954 and inserting
the following:
``Sec. 952. Reactor concepts research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application.
``Sec. 953. Fuel cycle research, development, demonstration, and
commercial application
``Sec. 954. Nuclear science and engineering support.''.
(e) University Nuclear Leadership Program.--Section 313 of the
Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (42 U.S.C. 16274a), is amended to read
as follows:
``SEC. 313. UNIVERSITY NUCLEAR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--In carrying out section 954 of the Energy Policy
Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16274), the Secretary of Energy shall support a
program to be known as the University Nuclear Leadership Program (in
this section referred to as the `Program') .
``(b) Use of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
amounts made available to carry out the Program shall be used
to provide financial assistance for scholarships, fellowships,
and research and development projects at institutions of higher
education with respect to research, development, demonstration,
and commercial application activities relevant to civilian
advanced nuclear reactors including, but not limited to--
``(A) relevant fuel cycle technologies;
``(B) project management; and
``(C) advanced construction, manufacturing, and
fabrication methods.
``(2) Exception.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), amounts
made available to carry out the Program may be used to provide
financial assistance for a scholarship, fellowship, or
multiyear research and development project that does not align
directly with a programmatic mission of the Department of
Energy, if the activity for which assistance is provided would
facilitate the maintenance of the discipline of nuclear science
or nuclear engineering.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated $15,000,000 to the Secretary of Energy to carry out the
Program for fiscal year 2021 and each fiscal year thereafter.''.
(f) Versatile Neutron Source.--Section 955(c) of the Energy Policy
Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16275(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``MISSION
need'' and inserting ``AUTHORIZATION''; and
(B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``determine
the mission need'' and inserting ``provide''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out to
completion the construction of the facility under this
section--
``(A) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
``(B) $550,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
``(C) $638,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
``(D) $765,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and
``(E) $763,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.''.
(g) Advanced Nuclear Reactor Research, Development, and
Demonstration Program.--
(1) In general.--Subtitle E of title IX of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271 et seq.) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 959A. ADVANCED NUCLEAR REACTOR RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT,
DEMONSTRATION, AND COMMERCIAL APPLICATION PROGRAM.
``(a) Demonstration Project Defined.--For the purposes of this
section, the term `demonstration project' means--
``(1) an advanced nuclear reactor operated for the purpose
of demonstrating the suitability for commercial application of
the advanced nuclear reactor--
``(A) as part of the power generation facilities of
an electric utility system; or
``(B) in any other manner; or
``(2) the operation of one or more experimental advanced
nuclear reactors, for the purpose of demonstrating the
suitability for commercial application of such advanced nuclear
reactors, funded in whole or in part by the private sector, at
National Laboratories or other sites owned by the Department of
Energy.
``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a program to
advance the research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application of domestic advanced, affordable, nuclear energy
technologies by--
``(1) demonstrating a variety of advanced nuclear reactor
technologies that could be used to produce--
``(A) safer, emissions-free power at a lower cost
compared to reactors operating on the date of enactment
of the Nuclear Energy Research and Development Act;
``(B) heat for community heating, industrial
purposes, heat storage, or synthetic fuel production;
``(C) remote or off-grid energy supply; or
``(D) backup or mission-critical power supplies;
``(2) identifying research areas that the private sector is
unable or unwilling to undertake due to the cost of, or risks
associated with, the research; and
``(3) facilitating the access of the private sector--
``(A) to Federal research facilities and personnel;
and
``(B) to the results of research relating to civil
nuclear technology funded by the Federal Government.
``(c) Demonstration Projects.--
``(1) In general.--In carrying out the program established
under subsection (b), the Secretary shall, to the maximum
extent practicable--
``(A) enter into agreements to build not fewer than
2 advanced nuclear reactors as demonstration projects
to be completed not later than December 31, 2027; and
``(B) not later than December 31, 2035, to enter
into not fewer than 2, and not more than 5, agreements,
to build advanced nuclear reactors as additional
operational demonstration projects.
``(2) Requirements.--In carrying out demonstration projects
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
``(A) include, as an evaluation criterion,
diversity in designs for the advanced nuclear reactors
demonstrated under this section, including designs
using various--
``(i) primary coolants;
``(ii) fuel types and compositions; and
``(iii) neutron spectra;
``(B) consider, as an evaluation criterion, the
likelihood that the operating cost for future
commercial units for each design implemented through a
demonstration project under this subsection is cost-
competitive in the applicable market, including those
designs configured as hybrid energy systems as
described in section 952(c);
``(C) ensure that each evaluation of candidate
technologies for the demonstration projects is
completed through an external review of proposed
designs, which review shall--
``(i) be conducted by a panel that includes
not fewer than 1 representative that does not
have a conflict of interest of each of--
``(I) an electric utility;
``(II) an entity that uses high-
temperature process heat for
manufacturing or industrial processing,
such as a petrochemical or synthetic
fuel company, a manufacturer of metals
or chemicals, or a manufacturer of
concrete;
``(III) an expert from the
investment community;
``(IV) a project management
practitioner; and
``(V) an environmental health and
safety expert; and
``(ii) include a review of each
demonstration project under this subsection
which shall include consideration of cost-
competitiveness and other value streams,
together with the technology readiness level,
the technical abilities and qualifications of
teams desiring to demonstrate a proposed
advanced nuclear reactor technology, the
capacity to meet cost-share requirements of the
Department, if Federal funding is provided, and
environmental impacts;
``(D) for federally funded demonstration projects,
enter into cost-sharing agreements with private sector
partners in accordance with section 988 for the conduct
of activities relating to the research, development,
and demonstration of advanced nuclear reactor designs
under the program;
``(E) work with private sector partners to identify
potential sites, including Department-owned sites, for
demonstrations, as appropriate;
``(F) consult with--
``(i) National Laboratories;
``(ii) institutions of higher education;
``(iii) traditional end users (such as
electric utilities);
``(iv) potential end users of new
technologies (such as users of high-temperature
process heat for manufacturing processing,
including petrochemical or synthetic fuel
companies, manufacturers of metals or
chemicals, or manufacturers of concrete);
``(v) developers of advanced nuclear
reactor technology;
``(vi) environmental and public health and
safety experts; and
``(vii) non-proliferation experts;
``(G) seek to ensure that the demonstration
projects carried out under paragraph (1) do not cause
any delay in the progress of an advanced reactor
project by private industry and the Department of
Energy that is underway as of the date of enactment of
this section;
``(H) establish a streamlined approval process for
expedited contracting between awardees and the
Department;
``(I) identify technical challenges to candidate
technologies;
``(J) support near-term research and development to
address the highest risk technical challenges to the
successful demonstration of a selected advanced reactor
technology, in accordance with--
``(i) subparagraph (A);
``(ii) the research and development
activities under section 952(b); and
``(iii) the research and development
activities under section 958; and
``(K) establish such technology advisory working
groups as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to
advise the Secretary regarding the technical challenges
identified under subparagraph (A) and the scope of
research and development programs to address the
challenges, in accordance with subparagraph (B), to be
comprised of--
``(i) private sector advanced nuclear
reactor technology developers;
``(ii) technical experts with respect to
the relevant technologies at institutions of
higher education;
``(iii) technical experts at the National
Laboratories;
``(iv) environmental and public health and
safety experts;
``(v) non-proliferation experts; and
``(vi) any other entities the Secretary
determines appropriate.
``(d) Milestone-Based Demonstration Projects.--
``(1) In general.--Using the authority of the Secretary
under section 646(g) of the Department of Energy Organization
Act (42 U.S.C. 7256(g)), notwithstanding paragraph (10) of such
section, the Secretary may carry out not more than 3
demonstration projects under subsection (c) as a milestone-
based demonstration project that requires particular technical
and financial milestones to be met before a participant is
awarded funds by the Department.
``(2) Requirements.--In carrying out milestone-based
demonstration projects under the authority in paragraph (1),
the Secretary shall, for each relevant project--
``(A) request proposals from eligible entities, as
determined by the Secretary, that include--
``(i) a business plan;
``(ii) a plan for raising private sector
investment; and
``(iii) proposed technical and financial
milestones, including estimated project
timelines and total costs, that are in
accordance to the requirements specified in
subsection (c); and
``(B) award funding of a predetermined amount to
projects that successfully meet proposed milestones
under subparagraph (A)(iii); and
``(C) require cost-sharing in accordance with
Section 988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
``(3) Consultation.--In carrying out demonstration projects
under this authority, the Secretary shall consult with experts
from the investment community to assess project proposals and
determine the commercial viability of project proposals.
``(4) Failure to meet milestones.--Should an awardee not
meet the milestones described in paragraph (2)(A)(iii), the
Secretary may end the partnership with the awardee and use the
remaining funds in the ended agreement for new or existing
demonstration projects under this section.
``(e) Nonduplication.--Entities may not receive funds under this
program if receiving funds from another reactor demonstration program
at the Department in the same fiscal year.
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the program under this
subsection--
``(1) $520,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
``(2) $670,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
``(3) $670,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
``(4) $670,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; and
``(5) $670,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.''.
(2) Table of contents.--The table of contents of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58; 119 Stat. 594) is
amended--
(A) in the items relating to sections 957, 958, and
959, by inserting ``Sec.'' before ``9'' each place it
appears; and
(B) by inserting after the item relating to section
959 the following:
``Sec. 959A. Advanced nuclear reactor research, development,
demonstration, and commercial application
program.''.
(h) International Nuclear Energy Cooperation.--
(1) In general.--Subtitle E of title IX of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271 et seq.), as amended by
subsection (g), is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 959B. INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR ENERGY COOPERATION.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with
international regulators, shall carry out a program--
``(1) to coordinate international efforts with respect to
research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application of nuclear technology that supports diplomatic,
nonproliferation, climate, and international economic
objectives for the safe, secure, and peaceful use of such
technology; and
``(2) to develop collaboration initiatives with respect to
such efforts with a variety of countries through--
``(A) research and development agreements;
``(B) the development of coordinated action plans;
and
``(C) new or existing multilateral cooperation
commitments including--
``(i) the International Framework for
Nuclear Energy Cooperation;
``(ii) the Generation IV International
Forum;
``(iii) the International Atomic Energy
Agency;
``(iv) the Organization for Economic Co-
operation and Development Nuclear Energy
Agency; and
``(v) any other international collaborative
effort with respect to advanced nuclear reactor
operations and safety.
``(b) Requirements.--The program under subsection (a) shall be
carried out to facilitate, to the maximum extent practicable, workshops
and expert-based exchanges to engage industry, stakeholders, and
foreign governments regarding international civil nuclear issues, such
as training, financing, safety, and options for multinational
cooperation on used nuclear fuel disposal.''.
(2) Table of contents.--The table of contents of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58; 119 Stat. 594), as
amended by subsection (g), is further amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 959A the following:
``Sec. 959B. International nuclear energy cooperation.''.
SEC. 4. NUCLEAR ENERGY BUDGET PLAN.
Section 959 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16279) is
amended--
(1) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) Budget Plan Alternative 1.--One of the budget plans submitted
under subsection (a) shall assume constant annual funding for 10 years
at the appropriated level for the current fiscal year for the civilian
nuclear energy research and development of the Department.''; and
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
``(e) Updates.--Not less frequently than once every 2 years, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy
and Natural Resources of the Senate updated 10-year budget plans which
shall identify, and provide a justification for, any major deviation
from a previous budget plan submitted under this section.''.
SEC. 5. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Subtitle E of title IX of the Energy Policy Act of
2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271 et seq.), as amended by section 3(h), is further
amended by adding at the end of the following:
``SEC. 959C. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF PROGRAMS.
``(a) Coordination.--In carrying out this subtitle, the Secretary
shall coordinate activities, and effectively manage crosscutting
research priorities across programs of the Department and other
relevant Federal agencies, including the National Laboratories.
``(b) Collaboration.--
``(1) In general.--In carrying out this subtitle, the
Secretary shall collaborate with industry, National
Laboratories, other relevant Federal agencies, institutions of
higher education, including minority-serving institutions and
research reactors, Tribal entities, including Alaska Native
Corporations, and international bodies with relevant scientific
and technical expertise.
``(2) Participation.--To the extent practicable, the
Secretary shall encourage research projects that promote
collaboration between entities specified in paragraph (1).
``(c) Dissemination of Results and Public Availability.--The
Secretary shall, except to the extent protected from disclosure under
section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code, publish the results of
projects supported under this subtitle through Department websites,
reports, databases, training materials, and industry conferences,
including information discovered after the completion of such projects.
``(d) Education and Outreach.--In carrying out the activities
described in this subtitle, the Secretary shall support education and
outreach activities to disseminate information and promote public
understanding of nuclear energy.
``(e) Technical Assistance.--In carrying out this subtitle, for the
purposes of supporting technical, nonhardware, and information-based
advances in nuclear energy development and operations, the Secretary
shall also conduct technical assistance and analysis activities,
including activities that support commercial application of nuclear
energy in rural, Tribal, and low-income communities.
``(f) Program Review.--At least annually, all programs in this
subtitle shall be subject to an annual review by the Nuclear Energy
Advisory Committee of the Department or other independent entity, as
appropriate.
``(g) Sensitive Information.--The Secretary shall not publish any
information generated under this subtitle that is detrimental to
national security, as determined by the Secretary.''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of the Energy Policy
Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58; 119 Stat. 594), as amended by section
3(h), is further amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 959B the following:
``Sec. 959C. Organization and administration of programs.''.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .
Llama 3.2 · runs locally in your browser
Ask anything about this bill. The AI reads the full text to answer.
Enter to send · Shift+Enter for new line