Agency: Department of Energy – Nuclear Energy
Description:
The Civil Nuclear Credit Program aims to support the continued operation of the U.S. commercial nuclear reactor fleet. This program is designed for nuclear reactors facing economic challenges, offering credits over a four-year period to certified reactors to aid their operations through September 30, 2031, contingent on available funding. Priority is given to reactors utilizing uranium sourced and processed within the United States.
Bill Section:
40323
New or Existing:
New
Potential Cost:
$6,000,000,000
Timeline:
FY22-26
Implementation Status/Rulemaking:
On January 8, 2023, the Department of Energy published an interim final rule to establish the procedure for the recapture of credits awarded under the Civil Nuclear Credit Program in accordance with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Source
On January 17, 2024, DOE announced the Civil Nuclear Credit Award Cycle 1. DOE signed a credit award and payment agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric Company to finalize terms for $1.1 billion in credit payments via the Civil Nuclear Credit (CNC) Program for the Diablo Canyon Power Plant: Source
On March 2, 2023, DOE released application guidance for award cycle 2 of the CNC Program. While award cycle 1 limited eligibility to owners or operators of nuclear power reactors that had announced intentions to retire within the four-year award period, award cycle 2 is open to owners or operators of nuclear reactors that are at risk of closure by the end of the four-year award period, including reactors that ceased operations after November 15, 2021: Source
Other TCS Resources:
Green Scissors Coalition Comments on $6 Billion Civil Nuclear Credit Program