US DoE unveils Nuclear Energy Launch Pad

The US Department of Energy (DoE) and the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) have established the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad to promote the rapid development and implementation of advanced nuclear technologies by private industry.

The Launch Pad initiative builds on the DoE’s Reactor Pilot Program and Fuel Line Pilot Program, “creating a strong innovative ecosystem to speed up advanced nuclear technology deployment using flexible technical and regulatory frameworks on federal and non-federal lands”.

In line with Executive Order 14301, Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy, signed by President Donald Trump in May 2025, the DoE established the Reactor Pilot Program in June 2025. This leverages DoE authorisation and establishes a new DoE pathway for advanced reactor demonstration, with the goal of achieving criticality in at least three reactors by 4 July 2026.

In August 2025, the DoE established the Fuel Line Pilot Program to support the Reactor Pilot Program and leverage DoE authorisation to establish a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain for testing new reactors.

The DoE has so far accepted 11 projects into the Reactor Pilot Program and nine projects into the Fuel Line Pilot Program. It plans to extend and expand the ability for nuclear technology developers to obtain DoE authorisation by transitioning to the Launch Pad new and future applicants to the pilot programmes.

“The Launch Pad initiative will empower developers by providing the resources and support necessary to advance the deployment of innovative nuclear technologies and contribute to a sustainable and secure energy future for our nation,” said Rian Bahran, DoE Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors. “Through this initiative, developers can access infrastructure, expertise and services essential for the siting, construction and operation of their nuclear facilities.”

Building on the DoE’s pilot programmes, the Launch Pad will expand beyond authorisation to include the testing and operation necessary to scale first-of-a-kind technologies toward widescale commercial deployment. This integrated approach aims to ensure continuity from initial pilot authorisation through extended operational validation, reducing the risk and timelines for advanced reactors and other advanced nuclear facility commercialisation.

The initiative offers two pathways for nuclear developers – Launch Pad Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Launch Pad USA. Launch Pad INL covers more than 2,000 acres, divided into several plots for private nuclear tech developers. Eligible projects include advanced reactors, fuel fabrication, recycling, enrichment and other innovations. It offers:

• Land suitable for different nuclear applications and regulatory deployment structure
• Accelerated identification, allocation and assessment of sites
• Access to INL’s existing utilities and services
• Direct access to specialised nuclear expertise, as needed
• Assistance navigating the complexities of nuclear regulations for DoE authorisation or Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing
• A flexible contract framework with DOE and INL.

Launch Pad USA will build upon the successes DoE pilot programmes and continue to offer the ability to authorise the operation of nuclear reactors and fuel cycle facilities outside INL. It offers:

• Remote or project-specific access to specialised nuclear expertise at INL or other national laboratories, as needed
• Assistance in navigating the complexities of nuclear regulations for DoE authorisation
• A flexible contract framework with DoE
• High flexibility to leverage unique regional or project-specific advantages.

“The Nuclear Energy Launch Pad represents a significant evolution in the ecosystem for advancing nuclear technologies from concept to deployment,” said INL director John Wagner. “Launch Pad INL offers nuclear developers something unprecedented: an 890-square-mile federal site with more than 75 years of reactor testing experience, existing infrastructure, direct access to national nuclear expertise and streamlined regulatory pathways – all enabling developers to move from demonstration to deployment at the pace America’s energy security demands.”

The NRIC will accept and evaluate applications for the Launch Pad annually, with the initial request for applications (RFA) expected in the next few months. Application requirements and review criteria will mirror those used in the DoE Reactor and Fuel Line Pilot Programs RFAs. This will ensure that companies that have already applied for the pilot programmes can seamlessly transition to the NRIC Launch Pad without reapplying.

The DoE will not provide funding to selected participants but will provide resources as part of the application review and selection. DoE costs for other activities associated with DoE authorisation or NRC licensing, as part of this initiative, will be borne by the participant and will be delineated in the agreement instrument between the DoE and the participant. If the participant elects to engage the INL or other national laboratories, those costs will be borne by the participant.

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