The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the award of more than $94 million to eight companies to accelerate the deployment of advanced light-water small modular reactors (SMRs) in the country.
The funding is part of the Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor Pathway to Deployment Program, aimed at strengthening licensing capabilities, site readiness, and the supply chain to drive U.S. nuclear expansion over the next decade.
The U.S. government considers nuclear expansion to be essential to meeting growing electricity demand associated with digitalization, industrial electrification, and the development of artificial intelligence.
DOE drives the development of small modular reactors
DOE explained that the selected projects seek to remove barriers that have historically limited domestic nuclear development, especially in areas related to regulatory permitting, manufacturing of critical components, and nuclear fuel production.
“President Trump has made it clear that the United States is going to generate more energy, not less, and nuclear energy is essential to that mission,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.
According to the official, advanced SMRs will provide continuous power to support manufacturing, data centers, artificial intelligence, and the stability of the U.S. power grid.
Companies selected for SMR site preparation
Two of the awards will focus on site preparation and licensing for future nuclear projects:
Constellation SMR Development, LLC will receive $17.2 million to pursue an early site permit approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in New York.
Nebraska Public Power District will receive $27.8 million to develop a similar permit in Nebraska.
Both projects aim to facilitate future deployments of third-generation or higher small modular reactors.
Funding will strengthen the nuclear supply chain
Most of the funds will be allocated to strengthening the supply chain needed to manufacture components and nuclear fuel for SMRs.
Selected companies include:
BWXT Nuclear Energy: $21.4 million to expand nuclear pressure vessel assembly capabilities in Indiana.
Framatome US Government Solutions: $8.8 million to expand nuclear fuel production in Washington.
Global Nuclear Fuel Americas: $3 million to automate fuel rod production in North Carolina.
Scot Forge Company: $12.2 million to install heavy manufacturing equipment in Illinois.
American Forgemasters Company: $2.9 million to strengthen production of nuclear forgings in Pennsylvania.
Container Technologies Industries and other companies focused on certifications and the manufacture of critical reactor components were also selected.
The United States bets on nuclear expansion by 2030
DOE noted that light-water SMRs represent one of the fastest and most scalable options for adding new nuclear capacity in the United States due to their modular design and the use of existing supply chains.
The initiative adds to the $900 million funding opportunity launched by DOE in March 2025 to reduce risks associated with the deployment of advanced modular reactors. In December 2025, the agency also announced grants of $800 million for nuclear projects led by Tennessee Valley Authority and Holtec Government Services.
Source: https://www.energy.gov/