U.S. Energy Department Initiates Pilot Program to Build Nuclear Fuel Production Lines

The U.S. Energy Department on July 16 announced a pilot program to fast-track the expansion of advanced nuclear reactors and support domestic nuclear fuel supply chains. The department issued a request for applications from qualified U.S. businesses to construct and operate nuclear fuel production lines through its authorization process. This initiative aims to cut U.S. reliance on foreign enriched uranium and critical materials, while attracting private investment in nuclear energy.

The announcement supports U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive orders to modernize nuclear reactor testing and advance nuclear technologies critical to national security, while establishing a domestic fuel supply chain to test new reactors. The executive order “Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy” seeks to restore U.S. leadership in nuclear energy and ensure a reliable, diverse, and affordable energy supply to fuel American prosperity and technological progress. The new reactor pilot program will further advance U.S. nuclear capabilities, create jobs, and bolster American innovation.

During June 2025, the department launched a pilot to accelerate testing of advanced reactor designs approved by the department at sites beyond the National Laboratories. The pilot program expands on ongoing efforts to demonstrate advanced reactors at department sites, including microreactor testbeds and projects led by the U.S. Defense Department and private industry. Its focus is on advancing nuclear reactor research and development, not on proving commercial viability.

The department is currently evaluating potential applicants and expects to select at least three advanced reactor designs later this summer, with the goal of achieving criticality by July 4, 2026. Initial applications are due by Aug. 15, 2025, with additional submissions accepted on a regular basis thereafter.