Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy
May 29, 2025
May 29, 2025
Summary
Aims to encourage new nuclear technology in the U.S. by making the government's testing and approval process faster and easier.
What problem does this solve?
The United States has fallen behind in developing new nuclear power because of slow, complicated rules. This order speeds up the government's approval process to help new, advanced reactors get built and tested faster.
Who does this affect?
- Nuclear technology companies
- Department of Energy
- Energy consumers
What does this order do?
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Establishing a pilot program outside the national laboratories
Creates a pilot program for new reactors
Establishes a program to build and run at least three new reactors outside of National Laboratories, with a goal to have them working by July 4, 2026.
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Reforming the national laboratory process for reactor testing
Speeds up the approval process
Requires the Department of Energy to create a faster process so that qualified test reactors can be operational within two years of applying.
Streamlines environmental reviews
Orders the Department of Energy to change its rules to speed up or get rid of environmental reviews for new reactor projects.
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Reforming the national laboratory process for reactor testing
Creates special assistance teams
Forms teams within the Department of Energy to help applicants get their reactor projects approved quickly.
What is the real world impact?
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Reduces environmental review hurdles
Directs the government to speed up or even eliminate environmental reviews for new reactors. This could be seen as weakening environmental protections to favor faster industrial development.
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Regains global leadership in nuclear technology
Aims to stop the U.S. from falling behind other countries in building advanced nuclear reactors. It pushes for faster domestic production to make America a leader in this critical technology again.
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Supports high-tech industries
Promotes advanced nuclear power to provide reliable energy for data centers, microchip manufacturing, and other key industries, boosting national security and the economy.
When does this start?
This order sets several deadlines for the Department of Energy to take action.
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Reforming the national laboratory process for reactor testing
Guidance on qualified test reactors
Within 60 days of May 23, 2025, the Secretary of Energy must issue guidance defining a 'qualified test reactor'.
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Reforming the national laboratory process for reactor testing
Faster review procedures
Within 90 days of May 23, 2025, the Secretary must update rules to speed up the review and approval of advanced reactors.
Reformed environmental rules
By June 30, 2025, the Secretary must reform the department's environmental review rules.
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Establishing a pilot program outside the national laboratories
Pilot program reactor goal
Sets a goal for three reactors in the new pilot program to be operational by July 4, 2026.