U.S. Energy Department Seeks State Partnerships for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses

The U.S. Energy Department on Jan. 28 launched a new initiative to strengthen domestic nuclear energy capabilities by issuing a request for information inviting states to express interest in hosting Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses. The action represents an early step toward potential voluntary federal and state partnerships designed to modernize the nation’s nuclear fuel cycle while supporting regional economic development and long-term energy security.

The department outlined a framework for campuses that could support coordinated activities across the full nuclear fuel lifecycle. Proposed functions include fuel fabrication, enrichment, management and reprocessing of used nuclear fuel, and disposition of nuclear waste. Depending on regional strengths and state priorities, campuses could also support advanced reactor deployment, power generation, advanced manufacturing, and co-located data centers that benefit from reliable baseload power.

The initiative is intended to advance a more integrated, end-to-end nuclear energy strategy for the U.S. By concentrating infrastructure, workforce development, and technology deployment within defined regional hubs, the department aims to reduce supply chain risks, improve coordination across fuel cycle activities, and strengthen U.S. leadership in advanced nuclear technologies.

States responding to the RFI are encouraged to submit clear statements of interest and provide constructive feedback on the proposed structure of the innovation campuses. Submissions should identify state priorities such as workforce development, infrastructure investment, economic diversification, or technology leadership. States are also asked to describe the scope of nuclear and related activities they would seek to host, along with proposed funding structures, risk-sharing approaches, incentive mechanisms, and federal partnerships needed to establish and sustain a full-cycle campus.

Responses to the RFI are due by April 1, 2026.