Request for Application: NRIC Nuclear Energy Launch Pad

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) are establishing the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad, an initiative aimed at promoting the rapid development and implementation of private industry deployments of advanced nuclear technologies. The Launch Pad initiative will provide two flexible pathways for siting, testing, and operating advanced nuclear facilities: Launch Pad INL and Launch Pad U.S.A. The RFA invites private Developers to propose nuclear facilities, such as reactors, fuel cycle facilities, and recycling systems, that are sufficiently mature to move into near-term construction, operation, and testing. Some key points to consider: • The Launch Pad initiative will provide access to federal lands, infrastructure, and technical expertise to support the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. • The RFA is open to private industry developers, and applicants must demonstrate technical maturity, nuclear material planning, execution readiness, financial resources, and a clear path to DOE authorization and eventual NRC licensing/commercialization. • The application process will involve a technical evaluation, and selected applicants will be required to enter into a Strategic Partnership Project (SPP) agreement with Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA) and an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement with DOE. • The Launch Pad initiative will provide a centralized resource hub for developers, including points of contact, available support services, and individual fact sheets for participating national laboratories.