DOE Seeks Input on Civil Nuclear Credit Program Award Cycle Three

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today the U.S. Department of Energy’s Grid Deployment Office (GDO) released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input and Letters of Interest (LOI) from potential applicants for the Civil Nuclear Credit (CNC) Program. The CNC program is supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help preserve the existing U.S. nuclear reactor fleet and save thousands of high-paying jobs across the country.  Eligible commercial nuclear power plants are those at risk of ceasing operations due to economic factors. The intent of the RFI is to gauge interest from the nuclear industry for a third award cycle.

“Nuclear reactors are a reliable and consistent energy resource that allows the grid to more effectively integrate variable energy resources like solar and wind, while providing all Americans access to clean, resilient and affordable electricity,” said Maria Robinson, Director, Grid Deployment Office, U.S. Department of Energy. “We are leveraging all available resources to support the continued operations of nuclear reactors to ensure the availability of clean electricity that reduces the nation’s reliance on fossil energy and preserves thousands of good-paying jobs.”  

Nuclear power currently provides about 20 percent of U.S. electricity and more than 50 percent of the nation’s carbon-free electricity generation—more than all other carbon-free sources added together. Data show that the closures of nuclear power plants results in an increase in air pollutants and carbon emissions because this carbon-free generation is often replaced by fossil fuel plants. But shifting energy markets and other economic factors have already forced the early closures of 13 commercial nuclear power reactors across the United States, and more economically strained facilities may cease operations in the coming years.

The RFI released today is seeking feedback from stakeholders about the impacts of recent changes to the nuclear energy landscape and to gauge interest from nuclear plant owners and operators for a third CNC award cycle. Subject to availability of funds, DOE expects to issue up to $980 million in credits. DOE finalized a maximum award valued at an approximate $1.1 billion to Pacific Gas and Electric Company on January 11, 2024, for the Diablo Canyon Power Plant near Avila Beach, California, which will keep 18,000 GWh of carbon-free generation online. DOE did not certify any applicants during Award Cycle 2.

Responses to the RFI, including LOIs, should be sent by email to [email protected] no later than October 28, 2024. An organization’s email submission of an LOI is a non-binding expression of interest and is not a commitment to application nor an application requirement. LOIs, as well as the names of submitting organizations, will be kept strictly confidential.

Learn more about the Grid Deployment Office.