The "Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Pathway to Deployment" Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), released by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), aims to accelerate the deployment of Generation III+ SMR technologies. This funding opportunity supports projects focused on demonstrating grid-scale SMR capabilities and addressing critical barriers that have hindered the commercial adoption of nuclear power in the U.S.
The total available funding for this opportunity is approximately $900 million, divided into two tiers. Tier 1 provides up to $800 million to support the deployment of the first SMR plants, including up to two large awards for "first mover" teams, which will consist of U.S. utilities, reactor vendors, constructors, and end-users. These teams must commit to deploying SMR plants by the early 2030s and show a clear path to developing a broader, replicable orderbook of reactor deployments. Tier 2 provides up to $100 million for "fast follower" teams to tackle specific gaps in the domestic nuclear industry, such as design, licensing, supplier development, and site preparation.
Applicants must demonstrate substantial technical readiness (Technology Readiness Level 6 or higher) and provide a clear, realistic deployment timeline. The BAA seeks projects that will advance nuclear technology, contribute to U.S. energy security, create high-paying jobs, and help the nation achieve its clean energy goals, including 100% clean electricity by 2035. Awardees are expected to partner with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to integrate international safeguards and security into their projects.
Eligible applicants include U.S. commercial electric utilities, engineering firms, reactor vendors, and project developers. Applications are due by January 17, 2025, and must include detailed project plans, community engagement strategies, and milestones that track project progress.
The primary goal is to advance the technical and commercial viability of SMRs, promoting follow-on deployments domestically and globally while reducing costs and improving supply chain capabilities. The awards will be milestone-based, with each project evaluated for its ability to contribute to fleet-level deployment of SMRs and overall national energy security.
