Integrated Energy Systems Act proposes innovative nuclear development program

U.S. Sens. Jim Risch (R-ID) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced last week a bill known as the Integrated Energy System Act, which would create a new program at the Department of Energy and promote the development of innovative nuclear technologies.

Known as the Integrated Energy Systems Act (S. 2702), the bill seeks greater research and development possibilities for nuclear hybrid energy systems. The senators believe that this would not only aid the economic viability of nuclear power plants but promote greater grid stability at large and reduce carbon emissions. To that end, it would create the Integrated Energy Systems Program.

“Nuclear energy holds incredible potential beyond its traditional uses. Its hybrid energy systems and hydrogen production show great promise for keeping our nuclear fleet competitive for years to come,” Risch said. “The Idaho National Laboratory continues to be the world leader in nuclear innovation. Their groundbreaking work is enhancing the security of our electric grid and making nuclear power a viable energy source across multiple uses and platforms. This bipartisan legislation will expand upon that great work, and I look forward to working with my colleague Sen. Manchin to advance this important piece of legislation.”

If established, the program would work closely with the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Office of Fossil Energy, Office of Electricity, Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response. It would also coordinate with various national laboratories, universities, and elements of the private sector.

All of these partnerships would be to forward the goals of expanding the U.S. nuclear reactor fleet, advanced nuclear capabilities, renewable energy, carbon capture, use and storage, and energy storage resources. The program would also seek to boost U.S. competitiveness in emissions-reducing energy development, help modernize energy infrastructure, create a domestic supply chain of nuclear reactor equipment and advanced coolants, reduce vulnerabilities and enhance domestic manufacturing and desalinization technologies.

“This legislation will allow for our national labs, including the National Energy Technology Laboratory in Morgantown, to research, develop, and deploy technologies that will lower electricity costs and leverage advanced and existing nuclear, carbon capture, utilization and sequestration, and renewables to be used in the transportation and industrial sector,” Manchin said.

The program would run from 2020 to 2029, with a budget of $50 million each year.