The U.S. Department of Energy re-issued a $900 million solicitation on March 21, 2025, to support the commercial deployment of Generation III+ light-water small modular reactors (SMRs). The solicitation is structured in two tiers: Tier 1 offers up to $800 million for up to two first mover teams, each required to include a utility, reactor vendor, constructor, and end-users or off-takers committed to deploying a first plant while building a multi-reactor SMR orderbook. Tier 2 provides approximately $100 million to address gaps in design, licensing, supply chain, and site preparation for additional Gen III+ SMR deployments. The application deadline is April 23, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
What it means
The re-issuance replaces a 2024 solicitation; DOE said the updated solicitation is aligned with President Trump’s energy agenda, and previous applicants must resubmit proposals under the new guidance. Awardee selection will be based solely on technical merit. Tier 1 teams will also have the opportunity to work with the National Nuclear Security Administration to incorporate safeguards and security by design into their reactor programs. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in the announcement: “America’s nuclear energy renaissance starts now. Abundant and affordable energy is key to our nation’s economic prosperity and security. This solicitation is a call to action for early movers seeking to put more energy on the grid through the deployment of advanced light-water small modular reactors.”
Key facts
- Total solicitation: $900 million
- Tier 1 (First Mover Team Support): up to $800 million for up to 2 teams
- Tier 2 (Fast Follower Deployment Support): approximately $100 million
- Reactor type targeted: Generation III+ light-water small modular reactors
- Tier 1 team composition required: utility, reactor vendor, constructor, and end-users/off-takers
- Previous 2024 applicants must resubmit under new guidance; new applications also accepted
- Application deadline: April 23, 2025, 5:00 p.m. ET
- Awardee selection based solely on technical merit, according to DOE
Source: U.S. Department of Energy news release (energy.gov)