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Energy Department Announces Pilot Program to Build Advanced U.S. Nuclear Fuel Lines and End Foreign Dependence

July 15, 2025

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced the start of a new pilot program to fuel the development of advanced nuclear reactors.

In accordance with President Trump’s Executive Orders, Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy and Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security, DOE issued a Request for Application (RFA) and is seeking qualified U.S. companies to build and operate nuclear fuel production lines using the DOE authorization process to establish a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain for testing new reactors. 

Applicants will be responsible for all costs associated with the construction, operation, and decommissioning of an advanced nuclear fuel line, as well as the procurement of all nuclear material feedstock. The selections will be based on a set of criteria, including technological readiness, established fuel fabrication plans, and financial viability.  

While the advanced nuclear fuel lines will serve for research, development, and demonstration purposes, seeking DOE authorization of the facilities can help unlock private funding and provide a fast-tracked approach to enable future commercial licensing activities for potential applicants.  

Initial applications are due by August 15, 2025, with subsequent applications allowed on a rolling basis.  

Additional information on today’s RFA can be found on the FedConnect listing.