Following President Trump’s executive order to reform nuclear reactor testing in the U.S., the Department of Energy (DOE) once again set a nuclear milestone. On June 18, it announced the launch of a pilot program to speed up the development of advanced nuclear reactors.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said,
“For too long, the federal government has stymied the development and deployment of advanced civil nuclear reactors in the United States. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are expediting the development of next-generation nuclear technologies and giving American innovators a new path forward to advance their designs, propelling our economic prosperity and bolstering our national security.”
Opening a Faster Path for Advanced Reactors
For decades, developers had to deal with long delays and complicated procedures just to test new nuclear reactor designs. The DOE is inviting U.S. companies to submit proposals, aka Request for Application (RFA), to build and operate test reactors under the Atomic Energy Act. Its goal is to have at least three advanced reactors operating by July 4, 2026
This means companies can build and test reactors outside national labs with a simpler DOE authorization process.
The new approach is far more flexible and fast compared to the traditional testing methods used at national laboratories. Overall, it aims to support private innovation, reduce emissions, and secure the country’s energy future by cutting regulatory delays.
Application Criteria
To qualify, applicants will need to show that their reactors can likely achieve criticality by the July 2026 deadline. They must also cover all costs of development, construction, operation, and decommissioning.
Selection will depend on:
-
Technical readiness
-
Site analysis
-
Financial capacity
-
A clear plan for safe operation
The DOE will review applications on a rolling basis, starting with a deadline of July 21, 2025. To guide applicants, the agency will host an Industry Day event on June 25, 2025, with both virtual and in-person options.
Idaho Lab to Host Priority Microreactor Test Beds
Meanwhile, the DOE is advancing the building of two advanced microreactor test beds at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The lab got federal approval under the Defense Production Act.
This gives it faster access to materials and services, helping speed up construction and keep reactor developers on schedule.
Rian Bahran, DOE Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors, highlighted,
“As President Trump and Secretary Wright have directed, we are coordinating across the federal government and using every tool at our disposal to unleash American energy abundance and dominance. The priority rating under the Defense Production Act for these reactor test beds at Idaho National Laboratory will be an important instrument ensuring we start the American nuclear renaissance now.”
- INL will use two facilities, namely the DOME and LOTUS test beds, for new microreactor experiments.
- These small reactors can provide 1 to 50 megawatts of reliable, zero-emission power to military bases, remote locations, and off-grid operations.
The DOME test bed repurposes a former containment structure from the lab’s Experimental Breeder Reactor-II. It will support testing of thermal reactors producing up to 20 megawatts of heat.
The LOTUS test bed will operate inside the lab’s old Zero Power Physics Reactor facility. Here, the first fast-spectrum, salt-fueled microreactor developed by Southern Company and TerraPower will be tested.
Managed by the DOE’s National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC), these facilities offer a safer, cheaper, and quicker way for companies to validate advanced reactor systems. By using existing lab infrastructure, developers can reduce risk and cost.
Brad Tomer, NRIC’s director, explained that the priority rating lets the lab secure equipment and services without delay. This allows developers to stay on track and meet tight milestones.
Why Microreactors Are Key to the Energy Future
Microreactors have advantages over traditional nuclear plants. These compact units are factory-built and can be transported to remote or energy-constrained areas. They provide steady, carbon-free power, making them ideal for both civilian and defense applications.
As the energy landscape shifts toward clean solutions, microreactors can help diversify America’s power supply. They complement renewable sources like wind and solar by providing constant output, especially when those sources fall short.
Through the DOME and LOTUS test beds, the DOE plans to speed up real-world testing and shorten the path to commercial use. This not only advances clean technology but also strengthens energy security.
DOE Supports Palisades Nuclear Plant Restart
In a related move on June 20, the DOE gave $100.45 million to Holtec International to support restarting the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Michigan. This marks the first time a previously closed commercial nuclear reactor in the U.S. will restart operations, pending final approvals from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
The press release further explained that the funding comes from a $1.52 billion federal loan guarantee issued through the DOE’s Loan Programs Office. Since finalizing the loan in September 2024, Holtec has received over $251 million to help restart the plant.
The Palisades facility shut down in 2022. However, with DOE support and regulatory progress, including a final environmental assessment from the NRC, the project is advancing. Once online, the plant will provide large-scale, carbon-free electricity to the grid.
Secretary Wright once again noted,
“Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Energy is taking a leading role in unleashing the American nuclear renaissance. The Palisades Nuclear Plant will help to reinvigorate our nuclear industrial base and will reestablish the United States as the world’s nuclear energy leader.”
This means this effort supports President Trump’s Executive Order on Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base, which aims to rebuild the U.S. nuclear industrial base and expand clean energy capacity.
A Nuclear Comeback Takes Shape
These actions mark a bold new chapter for the U.S. nuclear industry. The DOE’s pilot program for test reactors, the quick microreactor test beds, and funding for Palisades all show a strong commitment to nuclear energy.
Additionally, Deputy Assistant Secretary Rian Bahran confirmed that the government is using all tools to boost the American nuclear renaissance. He emphasized that advanced reactors, like microreactors, will help the nation achieve its energy and climate goals.
As demand for cleaner power grows and global energy competition increases, the U.S. is acting fast to lead in nuclear innovation. By combining public funding, straightforward policies, and private sector skills, the DOE is helping in achieving long term energy security and sustainability.
