Key Impact Points:

• $900M in federal funding: Supports the deployment of advanced Generation III+ small modular reactors (SMRs) to meet growing clean energy demand.
• Economic and environmental benefits: Creates high-paying jobs, strengthens national security, and helps achieve climate goals through carbon-free power.
• SMR technology: Offers scalable, flexible, and reliable clean energy options, reinforcing U.S. leadership in nuclear innovation.

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a $900 million funding opportunity aimed at supporting the deployment of Generation III+ small modular reactor (SMR) technologies. This investment, part of the broader Investing in America agenda, seeks to reinforce the U.S. nuclear sector’s leadership while creating jobs and helping the nation meet its growing need for clean, reliable electricity.

“Revitalizing America’s nuclear sector is key to adding more carbon-free energy to the grid and meeting the needs of our growing economy—from AI and data centers to manufacturing and healthcare,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm.

Gen III+ SMR Funding Breakdown

The funding is made possible in part by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with two main tiers:

• Tier 1: Provides up to $800 million to “first mover” teams deploying initial Gen III+ SMR projects.
• Tier 2: Offers $100 million to fast followers to accelerate further reactor deployments and tackle key challenges such as licensing and supply chain development.

These advanced reactors promise multiple applications beyond power generation, including process heat and desalination, with the flexibility to scale based on demand. Additionally, the reactors aim to strengthen the nation’s nuclear infrastructure by leveraging existing light-water reactor expertise.

Related Article: Amazon Joins Google in Nuclear Energy Deals for Carbon-Free Growth

“Next-generation nuclear energy will play an important role in building the clean power sector of the future,” said Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy John Podesta.

Advancing U.S. Clean Energy Leadership

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that the country will need 700-900 GW of new clean power by 2050 to achieve net-zero emissions. In 2023, nuclear power supplied nearly half of the nation’s carbon-free electricity.

Utilities are responding by upgrading and extending the lifespans of existing reactors, exploring new SMR technologies, and even reopening closed facilities to meet rising demand.

Ali Zaidi, White House National Climate Advisor, remarked, “America’s nuclear industry is racing ahead because strong Biden-Harris policies are spurring billions in private sector investment into this critical technology, which will lower energy costs and create good-paying union jobs.”

This funding also aligns with the Justice40 Initiative, which ensures that 40% of federal clean energy investments benefit disadvantaged communities.

By encouraging innovation and supporting early adopters, the Biden-Harris administration is setting the stage for a cleaner, more secure energy future powered by next-generation nuclear technologies.

The Biden-Harris administration’s $900 million investment in next-generation nuclear technologies aligns with recent moves by tech giants Google and Amazon to accelerate their transitions to carbon-free energy. Google’s partnership with Kairos Power to bring small modular reactors (SMRs) online by 2030 and Amazon’s agreements with Energy Northwest and X-energy to develop SMRs for their operations highlight how the private sector is embracing nuclear innovation. These investments by leading tech companies further underscore the growing role of advanced nuclear energy in supporting clean power solutions for both the tech industry and the broader U.S. economy.