Civil Nuclear Credit Program Seeking Public Comment
WASHINGTON — The Civil Nuclear Credit Program is seeking public guidance on the timelines, deliverables and supporting information from eligible reactor owners and operators on the $6 billion investment.
The program was created through the bipartisan infrastructure law. Under the new program, owners or operators of commercial U.S. reactors can apply for certification to bid on credits to support their continued operations.
An application must demonstrate the reactor is projected to close for economic reasons and that closure will lead to a rise in air pollutants and carbon emissions.
The secretary of Energy must also determine that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has reasonable assurance that the reactor will continue operating according to its current licensing basis and poses no significant safety hazards.
Credits will be allocated to selected certified reactors over a four-year period beginning on the date of the selection and credits can be awarded through Sept. 30, 2031, if funds remain available.
“The nation’s current fleet of nuclear power plants is vital to achieving the nation’s goals of a carbon pollution-free electricity sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy-wide by 2050,” according to the Civil Nuclear Credit Program’s website.
On Sept. 30, DOE released and requested feedback on draft Guidance for the Civil Nuclear Credit Program’s second award cycle.
Feedback is requested by 5 p.m. Eastern time on Nov. 4, and can be sent to [email protected].
Dan can be reached at [email protected] and @DanMcCue
