2/ Firstly, two pro-nuclear Bills became law in ’18 & ’19 – Nuclear Energy Innovation & Capabilities Act; NE Innovation & Modernization Act. Now, numerus other NE Bills (through Committee) were combined into one larger, stimulative, shovel ready, clean energy mega-legislation
3/ Feb 27, 2020: the BIPARTISAN American Energy Innovation Act was introduced, compiling > 50 energy-related Bills to replace/modernize EPACT2005. Passage in the Senate is likely, the House requires more climate mandates. Highlights: bit.ly/2K7blvI #energyinnovation2020
4/ A section/section summary can be found here: bit.ly/3emkbDG. Searching for #nuclear, #uranium and #mineralsecurity will quickly paint the picture. Otherwise, this thread will examine the 555-pg legislative initiatives possibly affecting the future of #nuclearenergy
5/ Sections specific to #nuclear:
Reactor sustainability
NE RD&D
Advanced fuels
Science & engineering support
University Leadership
Versatile reactor fast neutron source
Advanced reactor R&D
NE strategic plan
Advanced fuel security
International cooperation
Integrated Systems
Reactor sustainability
NE RD&D
Advanced fuels
Science & engineering support
University Leadership
Versatile reactor fast neutron source
Advanced reactor R&D
NE strategic plan
Advanced fuel security
International cooperation
Integrated Systems
6/ Sec.1501 Reactor Sustainability: establish a program to maximize benefits from existing nuclear; accommodate the increase in applications for nuclear power plant license renewals; enable the continued operation of existing nuclear plants; improve prfrmnce and reduce O&M costs
7/ Sec.1502. Nuclear Energy RD&D: establish a program that support efforts to reduce long-term technical barriers for advanced nuclear energy systems; and carry out in consultation with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
8/ Sec.1503 Advanced Fuels: $120M for each FY(2021-2025) for next-gen light water reactor fuels research, accident tolerance & proliferation resistance. Accident tolerant fuel & cladding capable of 2026 commercialization. Study reactor economics/fuel cycle/ops. $LTBR benefits
9/ Sec. 1504. Nuclear Science and Engineering Support: DOE shall provide PM, technical, quality engineering/inspection & material support to research reactors located at universities. $15M for each FY(2021-2025)…
10/ …DOE to establish a nuclear energy apprenticeship subprogram…graduate-level training to meet needs of the nuclear energy community for mission-specific workforce needs. $5M FY(2021-2025)
11/ Sec. 1505 University Leadership: establish a program….scholarships, fellowships, $ R&D projects at Universities in areas relevant to advanced reactors, including fuel cycle technologies. Appropriations for FY 2021 and each fiscal year thereafter: $30M DOE/NNSA; $15M NRC
12/ Sec. 1506 Versatile Test Reactor: clerical amendment to text. However, prior legislation directed DOE to provide a versatile reactor fast neutron source to be used a national User Facility
13/ Sec. 1507 Advanced Reactor R&D: Demonstrate (by 2026) two different advanced (modular) reactor technologies that produce emission-free power ($60 per MW/hr), district heating, industrial purposes/synthetic fuel production, remote/off-grid energy, or bckup/mission-critical pwr
14/ Sec. 1508 #Nuclear #Energy Strategic Plan: Submit a 10-year strategic plan for the Office of Nuclear Energy @GovNuclear designating programs in support of the aforementioned legislations, as well as programs that are currently NOT in support of this Act
15/ Sec. 1509 Advanced Fuel Security: high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU ) is uranium enriched between 5%-20% (~90% for weapons). DOE to make available HALEU for sale, resale, transfer, or lease, for use in medical or noncommercial advanced nuclear reactors…
16/ … DOE shall NOT barter/sell/transfer its uranium in exchange for services relating to the final disposition of radioactive waste from HALEU leased under this program (DOE is responsible for disposition). $LTBR, $BWXT, and $LEU all benefit from Sec. 1509. Furthermore…
17/ …DOE will report to Congress the ability of the domestic uranium market to provide materials for advanced nuclear reactor fuel & if the domestic industry is capable of providing HALEU for commercial and noncommercial purposes w/ respect to the needs of DOE/DOD…
18/ …DOE shall establish a RD&D program under which the Secretary shall establish the capability to transport high-assay, low-enriched uranium that can be certified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
19/ Sec. 1510 International Cooperation: support diplomatic, nonproliferation, climate, and economic objectives for the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology w/ a focus on countries that have increased civil nuclear cooperation with Russia and China
20/ Sec. 1511 Integrated Systems: establish a program to develop energy systems involving the integration of nuclear energy with renewable energy, fossil energy, and energy storage. Expand the use of emissions-reducing energy technologies into nonelectric sectors -end-
