Senate advances bill to support advanced reactors

The U.S. Senate recently advanced the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, which is a designed to speed advanced reactors to market.

The bill, S 97, would allow private companies greater access to the research capabilities of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) national laboratories, including high-performance, computer-based modeling, and simulation techniques.

It also authorizes development of a reactor-based source of fast neutrons, which are needed to test advanced reactors and related materials and fuels. The only commercially available fast neutron testing facility is currently located in Russia.

“This bill’s passage in the Senate is a welcome and timely reminder of the bipartisan support these innovative technologies enjoy in Congress,” Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) President and CEO Maria Korsnick said. “Its provisions, once enacted into law, will go a long way to ensure the United States remains at the forefront of civilian nuclear capability.”

The bill also aims to foster the sharing of technical information and expertise between DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which may speed NRC licensing of advanced reactor designs.

“NEI hopes Congress will complete consideration of this measure expeditiously so that it can be signed into law by the president,” NEI Vice President of Governmental Affairs Beverly Marshall said.