The Case for the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program

Authorized under the bipartisan Energy Act of 2020, the ARDP competitively awarded cooperative agreements to multiple projects at various stages of technology development.1 The ARDP projects have varying levels of cost-share between private companies and the federal government, multiplying the effect of taxpayer investment in advanced nuclear energy. [...] As Congress and the private sector consider additional funding and investment, it is important to remember the case for ARDP and recognize the progress made thus far. [...] They are helping to restart the supply chain for nuclear reactor fuels, services and components; pave the way for risk-informed and performance-based licensing of advanced nuclear reactors and fuel facilities at the NRC; and increase overall investment in new advanced nuclear energy technology. [...] Funding the ARDP demonstration projects has been vital in catalyzing the construction and operation of new infrastructure that can produce the novel nuclear fuels required for advanced nuclear reactors. [...] companies to regain global leadership in advanced nuclear energy and move the world forward on the commercialization and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors as a climate and energy solution.