Dive Brief:
- The U.S. Department of Energy has issued a $12.5 billion advanced nuclear energy projects loan guarantee solicitation, a part of the Obama Administration's strategy to target a wider range of fuel sources, Greentech Media reports.
- The solicitation is designed to support the construction of innovative nuclear energy and front-end projects to reduce, avoid, or sequester greenhouse gas emissions.
- The Department of Energy now has issued about $40 billion in loan guarantees through the Loan Progams Office, also targeting advanced fossil fuels, efficiencies and renewable energy.
Dive Insight:
You can find the complete nuclear solicitation here, but the DOE says it identified four key technology areas of interest: Advanced nuclear reactors, small modular reactors, uprates and upgrades at existing facilities, and front-end nuclear projects.
“With $40 billion of loan guarantee authority available to advance our all-of-the-above energy strategy, the Department’s Loan Programs Office has an opportunity to replicate its past successes, supporting innovative clean energy technologies that bring the U.S. closer to a low-carbon future,” said Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz.
Of the $12.5 billion, $2 billion is available exclusively for front-end projects, possibly including uranium conversion or enrichment, as well as nuclear fuel fabrication.
“This solicitation will help the U.S. build the next generation of safe and secure nuclear energy projects by providing the critical financing needed for innovations that have not been widely deployed at commercial scale in this country," Moniz said.
The Loan Programs Office has open solicitations in four areas, also including the $8 billion Advanced Fossil Energy Projects Solicitation, the $4 billion Renewable Energy and Efficient Energy Projects Solicitation, and the $16 billion Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing loan program.
DOE said the first deadline for applications is March 18, 2015, followed by rolling deadlines approximately every six months.
