,i #aafth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #fjig ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,march #e1 #bjbj,mr4 ,lamb 7for himself and ,mr4 ,newhouse7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology ,a ,,bill ,to provide for a program of nuclear energy research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercialization1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,nuclear ,energy ,research and ,development ,act4 #b4 ,definitions ,section #iea7;b7 of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbga7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by amending paragraph 7#a7 to read as follows3 7#a7 ,advanced nuclear reactor ,the term advanced nuclear reactor means-- 7,a7 a nuclear fission reactor1 including a prototype plant 7as defined in sections #ej4b and #eb4a of title #aj1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or successor regulations771 with significant improvements compared to reactors operating on the date of enactment of the ,nuclear ,energy ,research and ,development ,act1 including improvements such as-- 7i7 additional inherent safety features2 7ii7 lower waste yields2 7iii7 improved fuel performance2 7iv7 increased tolerance to loss of fuel cooling2 7v7 enhanced reliability2 7vi7 increased proliferation resistance2 7vii7 increased thermal efficiency2 7viii7 reduced consumption of cooling water and other environmental impacts2 7ix7 the ability to integrate into electric applications and nonelectric applications2 7x7 modular sizes to allow for deployment that corresponds with the demand for electricity2 7xi7 operational flexibility to respond to changes in demand for electricity and to complement integration with intermittent renewable energy2 or 7xii7 improved resilience2 and 7,b7 a fusion reactor4 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#g7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section #aja7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja7;a774 4 #c4 ,nuclear energy research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application programs 7a7 ,reactor concepts research1 development1 and demonstration ,section #ieb of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbgb7 is amended to read as follows3 #ieb4 ,reactor concepts research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application 7a7 ,sustainability program for light water reactors 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall carry out a program of research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application to support existing operating nuclear power plants which shall address technologies to modernize and improve1 with respect to such plants-- 7,a7 reliability2 7,b7 capacity2 7,c7 component aging2 7,d7 safety2 7,e7 physical security and security costs2 7,f7 plant lifetime2 7,g7 operations and maintenance costs1 including by utilizing risk-informed systems analysis2 7,h7 the ability for plants to operate flexibly2 7,i7 nuclear hybrid energy system applications described in subsection 7c72 7,j7 efficiency2 7,k7 environmental impacts2 and 7,l7 resilience4 7#b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out the program under this subsection-- 7,a7 #ee1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7,b7 #eg1gej1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 7,c7 #fj1fcg1ejj for fiscal year #bjbc2 7,d7 #fc1ffi1cge for fiscal year #bjbd2 and 7,e7 #ff1heb1hdd for fiscal year #bjbe4 7b7 ,advanced reactor technologies 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall carry out a program of research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application to support advanced reactor technologies4 7#b7 ,requirements ,in carrying out the program under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 prioritize designs for advanced nuclear reactors that are proliferation resistant and passively safe1 including designs that1 compared to reactors operating on the date of enactment of the ,nuclear ,energy ,research and ,development ,act-- 7i7 are economically competitive with other electric power generation plants2 7ii7 have higher efficiency1 lower cost1 less environmental impacts1 increased resilience1 and improved safety2 7iii7 use fuels that are proliferation-resistant and have reduced production of high-level waste per unit of output2 and 7iv7 use advanced instrumentation and monitoring systems2 7,b7 consult with the ,nuclear ,regulatory ,commission on appropriate metrics to consider for the criteria specified in subparagraph 7,a72 7,c7 support research and development to resolve materials challenges relating to extreme environments1 including environments that contain high levels of-- 7i7 radiation fluence2 7ii7 temperature2 7iii7 pressure2 and 7iv7 corrosion2 7,d7 support research and development to aid in the qualification of advanced fuels1 including fabrication techniques2 7,e7 support activities that address near-term challenges in modeling and simulation to enable accelerated design of and licensing of advanced nuclear reactors1 including the identification of tools and methodologies for validating such modeling and simulation efforts2 7,f7 develop technologies1 including technologies to manage1 reduce1 or reuse nuclear waste2 7,g7 ensure that nuclear research infrastructure is maintained or constructed1 including-- 7i7 currently operational research reactors at the ,national ,laboratories and institutions of higher education2 7ii7 hot cell research facilities2 7iii7 a versatile fast neutron source2 and 7iv7 advanced coolant testing facilities1 including coolants such as lead1 sodium1 gas1 and molten salt2 7,h7 improve scientific understanding of nonlight water coolant physics and chemistry2 7,i7 develop advanced sensors and control systems1 including the identification of tools and methodologies for validating such sensors and systems2 7,j7 investigate advanced manufacturing and advanced construction techniques and materials to reduce the cost of advanced nuclear reactors1 including the use of digital twins and of strategies to implement project and construction management best practices1 and study the effects of radiation on materials created with these techniques2 7,k7 consult with the ,administrator of the ,national ,nuclear ,security ,administration to integrate reactor safeguards and security into design2 7,l7 support efforts to reduce any technical barriers that would prevent commercial application of advanced nuclear energy systems2 and 7,m7 develop various safety analyses and emergency preparedness and response methodologies4 7#c7 ,coordination ,the ,secretary shall coordinate with individuals engaged in the private sector and individuals who are experts in nuclear non-proliferation1 environmental and public health and safety1 and economics to advance the development of various designs of advanced nuclear reactors4 7#d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out the program under this subsection #ee1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjbe4 7c7 ,nuclear hybrid energy systems research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application program 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall carry out a program of research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application to develop nuclear hybrid energy systems1 composed of #b or more colocated or jointly operated subsystems of energy generation1 energy storage1 or other technologies and in which not in which not less than #a such subsystem is a nuclear energy system1 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in both the power and nonpower sectors4 7#b7 ,coordination ,in carrying out the program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall coordinate with relevant program offices within the ,department of ,energy4 7#c7 ,focus areas ,the program under paragraph 7#a7 may include research1 development1 demonstration1 or commercial application of nuclear hybrid energy systems with respect to-- 7,a7 desalination of water2 7,b7 hydrogen or other fuel production2 7,c7 heat for industrial processes2 7,d7 district heating2 7,e7 heat storage2 7,f7 carbon capture1 use1 utilization1 and storage2 7,g7 microgrid or island applications2 7,h7 integrated systems modeling1 analysis1 and optimization1 inclusive of different configurations of hybrid energy systems2 and 7,i7 integrated design1 planning1 and operation of systems with existing infrastructure1 including interconnection requirements with the electric grid1 as appropriate4 7#d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out the program under this subsection-- 7,a7 #eb1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7,b7 #ee1abe1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 7,c7 #eg1hha1bej for fiscal year #bjbc2 7,d7 #fj1gge1cac for fiscal year #bjbd2 and 7,e7 #fc1had1jgh for fiscal year #bjbe4 4 7b7 ,fuel cycle research and development ,section #iec of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbgc7 is amended to read as follows3 #iec4 ,fuel cycle research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application 7a7 ,high-,assay1 low-,enriched uranium research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application for advanced nuclear reactors 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7,a7 ,high-assay1 low-enriched uranium ,the term high-assay1 low-enriched uranium means uranium with an assay greater than #e weight percent1 but less than #bj weight percent1 of the uranium-#bce isotope4 7,b7 ,high-enriched uranium ,the term high-enriched uranium means uranium with an assay of #bj weight percent or more of the uranium-#bce isotope4 7#b7 ,program 7,a7 ,establishment ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall establish a program of research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application to make available high-assay1 low-enriched uranium for use in civilian advanced nuclear reactors4 7,b7 ,nuclear fuel ownership ,uranium made available under this subsection shall remain the property of the ,department1 which shall be responsible for the storage1 use1 and disposition of all radioactive waste created by the irradiation1 processing1 or purification of such uranium1 and shall not be deemed to be a sale or transfer of uranium subject to sections #caab and #caac of the ,,usec ,privatization ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bbig;h-#aj and #db ,,usc #bbig;h-#aa74 7,c7 ,goal ,in carrying out the program under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall demonstrate the capability to produce high-assay1 low-enriched uranium1 with the goal of having the capability of producing amounts needed to provide a reliable and available supply for advanced nuclear reactors by ,december #ca1 #bjbe4 7,d7 ,factors for consideration ,in carrying out the program under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall take into consideration options for providing high-assay1 low-enriched uranium for use in civilian advanced nuclear reactors under this subsection from a stockpile of uranium owned by the ,department or using enrichment technology1 prioritizing methods that would produce useable material the quickest1 including-- 7i7 fuel that-- 7,i7 directly meets the needs of an end user2 and 7,,ii7 has been previously used or fabricated for another purpose2 7ii7 fuel that can meet the needs of an end user after removing radioactive or other contaminants that resulted from a previous use or fabrication of the fuel for research1 development1 demonstration1 or deployment activities of the ,department2 and 7iii7 fuel from a high-enriched uranium stockpile1 which can be blended with lower assay uranium to become high-assay1 low-enriched uranium to meet the needs of an end user4 7,e7 ,selection ,the ,secretary shall determine awardees of uranium under this section through a merit-based1 competitive selection process for use in advanced reactor demonstration projects4 7,f7 ,limitation ,the ,secretary shall not barter or otherwise sell or transfer uranium in any form in exchange for services relating to the final disposition of radioactive waste from uranium that is made available under this subsection4 7,g7 ,sunset ,the program under this subsection shall terminate on the earlier of-- 7i7 ,january #a1 #bjce2 or 7ii7 #ij days after the date on which uranium enriched up to1 but not equal to1 #bj weight percent is available to provide a reliable and adequate supply for domestic advanced nuclear reactors in the commercial market4 7#c7 ,report 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate a report that describes actions proposed to be carried out by the ,secretary to enable the availability of high-assay1 low-enriched uranium for research1 development1 demonstration or commercial application under the program under paragraph 7#b74 7,b7 ,coordination and stakeholder input ,in developing the report under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall consult with-- 7i7 the ,nuclear ,regulatory ,commission2 7ii7 the ,national ,nuclear ,security ,administration2 7iii7 the ,national ,laboratories2 7iv7 institutions of higher education2 7v7 a diverse group of entities from the nuclear energy industry2 7vi7 a diverse group of technology developers2 and 7vii7 experts in nuclear non-proliferation1 environmental and public health and safety1 and economics4 7,c7 ,cost and schedule estimates ,the report under this subsection shall include estimated costs1 budgets1 and timeframes for enabling the availability of high-assay1 low-enriched uranium for research1 development1 demonstration1 or commercial application4 7,d7 ,required evaluations ,the report under this subsection shall evaluate-- 7i7 the actions required to establish and carry out the program under paragraph 7#b7 and the cost of such actions1 including with respect to-- 7,i7 proposed preliminary terms for contracting between the ,department and awardees 7including guidelines defining the roles and responsibilities between the ,department and the awardee72 and 7,,ii7 the potential to coordinate with awardees regarding-- 7aa7 fuel fabrication2 and 7bb7 fuel transport2 7ii7 the potential sources and fuel forms available to provide uranium for the program under paragraph 7#b72 7iii7 options to coordinate the program under paragraph 7#b7 with the operation of the versatile1 reactor-based fast neutron source under section #iei;,a2 7iv7 the ability of uranium producers to provide materials for advanced nuclear reactor fuel2 7v7 any associated legal1 regulatory1 and policy issues that should be addressed to enable-- 7,i7 the program under paragraph 7#b72 and 7,,ii7 the establishment of an industry capable of providing high-assay1 low-enriched uranium2 7vi7 industry needs for high-assay1 low-enriched uranium predicted over a #aj-year period1 as determined by surveying industry stakeholders2 and 7vii7 research and development plans to develop testing to provide criticality benchmark data for the validation of fuel use1 transportation1 and storage4 7#d7 ,high-assay1 low-enriched uranium transportation package research program 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall establish a program of research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application under which the ,secretary shall provide financial assistance to entities that the ,secretary determines appropriate1 on a competitive basis1 to establish the capability to safely and securely transport gaseous or solid high-assay1 low-enriched uranium4 7,b7 ,requirement ,the focus of the program under this subsection shall be to establish #a or more high-assay1 low-enriched uranium transportation packages for commercial application to transport high-assay1 low-enriched uranium to the various facilities involved in producing or using nuclear fuel containing high-assay1 low-enriched uranium1 such as-- 7i7 fuel processing facilities2 7ii7 fuel fabrication facilities2 and 7iii7 nuclear reactors4 7#e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out the program under this subsection-- 7,a7 #ca1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7,b7 #cc1jge1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 7,c7 #cd1gbh1gej for fiscal year #bjbc2 7,d7 #cf1dfe1ahh for fiscal year #bjbd2 and 7,e7 #ch1bhh1ddg for fiscal year #bjbe4 7b7 ,alternate fuels report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall1 after consulting with relevant entities1 including ,national ,laboratories1 institutions of higher education1 and technology developers1 submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate a report identifying any and all options for providing nuclear material1 containing isotopes other than the uranium-#bce isotope1 such as uranium-#bcc and thorium-#bcb to be used as fuel for advanced nuclear reactor research1 development1 demonstration1 or commercial application purposes4 7c7 ,used nuclear fuel research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall conduct an advanced fuel cycle research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application program that improves fuel cycle performance and supports a variety of options for used nuclear fuel storage1 use1 and disposal1 including advanced nuclear reactor concepts1 while minimizing environmental and public health and safety impacts1 including-- 7,a7 dry cask storage2 7,b7 consolidated interim storage2 7,c7 deep geological storage and disposal1 including mined repository1 and other technologies2 7,d7 used nuclear fuel transportation2 7,e7 integrated waste management systems2 7,f7 vitrification2 7,g7 fuel recycling and transmutation technologies1 including advanced reprocessing technologies and plutonium uranium redox extraction technologies2 7,h7 advanced materials to be used in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,g72 and 7,i7 other areas as determined by the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,requirements ,in carrying out the program under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 ensure all activities and designs incorporate state of the art safeguards technologies and techniques to reduce risk of proliferation2 7,b7 consult with the ,administrator of the ,national ,nuclear ,security ,administration to integrate safeguards and security by design2 7,c7 consider the potential benefits and other impacts of those activities for civilian nuclear applications1 environmental health and safety1 and national security1 including consideration of public consent2 and 7,d7 consider the economic viability of all activities and designs4 7#c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out the program under this section-- 7,a7 #ia1hge1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7,b7 #if1dfh1gej for fiscal year #bjbb2 7,c7 #aja1bib1ahh for fiscal year #bjbc2 7,d7 #ajf1cef1gig for fiscal year #bjbd2 and 7,e7 #aaa1fgd1fcg for fiscal year #bjbe4 7d7 ,advanced fuels 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall conduct an advanced fuels research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application program on next-generation light water reactor and advanced reactor fuels that demonstrate the potential for improved-- 7,a7 performance2 7,b7 accident tolerance2 7,c7 proliferation resistance2 7,d7 use of resources2 7,e7 environmental impact2 and 7,f7 economics4 7#b7 ,requirements ,in carrying out the program under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 focus on the development of advanced technology fuels that offer improved accident-tolerance and economic performance with the goal of initial commercial application by ,december #ca1 #bjbe2 and 7,b7 cooperate with private industry and with institutions of higher education through the ,nuclear ,energy ,university and ,integrated ,research ,projects programs of the ,department4 7#c7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate a report that describes how the technologies and concepts studied under this program would impact reactor economics1 the fuel cycle1 operations1 safety1 proliferation1 and the environment4 7#d7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out the program under this section-- 7,a7 #aca1hhj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7,b7 #ach1dgd1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 7,c7 #ade1cig1gjj for fiscal year #bjbc2 7,d7 #aeb1ffg1ehe for fiscal year #bjbd2 and 7,e7 #afj1ccj1ifd for fiscal year #bjbe4 4 7c7 ,nuclear science and engineering support 7#a7 ,in general ,section #ied of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbgd7 is amended-- 7,a7 in the section heading1 by striking ,university nuclear and inserting ,nuclear2 7,b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7i7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking this section and inserting this subsection2 and 7ii7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#e7 as subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,e71 respectively1 and indenting appropriately2 7,c7 in subsection 7c71 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 as subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b71 respectively1 and indenting appropriately2 7,d7 in subsection 7d7-- 7i7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking this section and inserting this subsection2 and 7ii7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#d7 as subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d71 respectively1 and indenting appropriately2 7,e7 in subsection 7e71 by striking this section and inserting this subsection2 7,f7 in subsection 7f7-- 7i7 by striking this section and inserting this subsection2 and 7ii7 by striking subsection 7b77#b7 and inserting paragraph 7#b77;,b72 7,g7 by redesignating subsections 7a7 through 7d7 as paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#d71 respectively1 and indenting appropriately2 7,h7 by redesignating subsections 7e7 and 7f7 as paragraphs 7#g7 and 7#h71 respectively2 7,i7 by inserting after paragraph 7#d7 7as so redesignated7 the following3 7#e7 ,radiological facilities management 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall carry out a program under which the ,secretary shall provide project management1 technical support1 quality engineering and inspection1 and nuclear material handling support to research reactors located at universities4 7,b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,of any amounts appropriated to carry out the program under this subsection1 there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out the program under this paragraph #bj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjcj4 7#f7 ,nuclear energy university program ,in carrying out the programs under this section1 the ,department shall allocate #bj percent of funds appropriated to nuclear energy research and development programs annually to fund university-led research and university infrastructure projects through an open1 competitive solicitation process4 2 7,j7 by inserting before paragraph 7#a7 7as so redesignated7 the following3 7a7 ,university nuclear science and engineering support 2 and 7,k7 by adding at the end the following3 7b7 ,nuclear energy apprenticeship subprogram 7#a7 ,establishment ,in carrying out the program under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall establish a nuclear energy apprenticeship subprogram under which the ,secretary shall competitively award traineeships and apprenticeships in coordination with universities to provide focused1 advanced training to meet critical mission needs of the ,department1 including in industries that are represented by skilled labor unions4 7#b7 ,requirements ,in carrying out the subprogram under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 encourage appropriate partnerships among ,national ,laboratories1 affected universities1 and industry2 and 7,b7 on an annual basis1 evaluate the needs of the nuclear energy community to implement traineeships for focused topical areas addressing mission-specific workforce needs4 7#c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out the subprogram under this subsection #e1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjba through #bjcj4 4 7d7 ,conforming amendment ,the table of contents of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-eh2 #aai ,stat4 #fjj7 is amended by striking the item relating to sections #ieb through #ied and inserting the following3 ,sec4 #ieb4 ,reactor concepts research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application4 ,sec4 #iec4 ,fuel cycle research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application ,sec4 #ied4 ,nuclear science and engineering support4 4 7e7 ,university nuclear leadership program ,section #cac of the ,omnibus ,appropriations ,act1 #bjji 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbgd;a71 is amended to read as follows3 #cac4 ,university nuclear leadership program 7a7 ,in general ,in carrying out section #ied of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbgd71 the ,secretary of ,energy shall support a program to be known as the ,university ,nuclear ,leadership ,program 7in this section referred to as the ,program7 4 7b7 ,use of funds 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 amounts made available to carry out the ,program shall be used to provide financial assistance for scholarships1 fellowships1 and research and development projects at institutions of higher education with respect to research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application activities relevant to civilian advanced nuclear reactors including1 but not limited to-- 7,a7 relevant fuel cycle technologies2 7,b7 project management2 and 7,c7 advanced construction1 manufacturing1 and fabrication methods4 7#b7 ,exception ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#a71 amounts made available to carry out the ,program may be used to provide financial assistance for a scholarship1 fellowship1 or multiyear research and development project that does not align directly with a programmatic mission of the ,department of ,energy1 if the activity for which assistance is provided would facilitate the maintenance of the discipline of nuclear science or nuclear engineering4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated #ae1jjj1jjj to the ,secretary of ,energy to carry out the ,program for fiscal year #bjba and each fiscal year thereafter4 4 7f7 ,versatile neutron source ,section #iee7;c7 of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbge7;c77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 in the paragraph heading1 by striking ,,mission ,,need and inserting ,,authorization2 and 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking determine the mission need and inserting provide2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#g7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out to completion the construction of the facility under this section-- 7,a7 #cjj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7,b7 #eej1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 7,c7 #fch1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc2 7,d7 #gfe1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbd2 and 7,e7 #gfc1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbe4 4 7g7 ,advanced nuclear reactor research1 development1 and demonstration program 7#a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,e of title ,,ix of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbga et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #iei;,a4 ,advanced nuclear reactor research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application program 7a7 ,demonstration project defined ,for the purposes of this section1 the term demonstration project means-- 7#a7 an advanced nuclear reactor operated for the purpose of demonstrating the suitability for commercial application of the advanced nuclear reactor-- 7,a7 as part of the power generation facilities of an electric utility system2 or 7,b7 in any other manner2 or 7#b7 the operation of one or more experimental advanced nuclear reactors1 for the purpose of demonstrating the suitability for commercial application of such advanced nuclear reactors1 funded in whole or in part by the private sector1 at ,national ,laboratories or other sites owned by the ,department of ,energy4 7b7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish a program to advance the research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application of domestic advanced1 affordable1 nuclear energy technologies by-- 7#a7 demonstrating a variety of advanced nuclear reactor technologies that could be used to produce-- 7,a7 safer1 emissions-free power at a lower cost compared to reactors operating on the date of enactment of the ,nuclear ,energy ,research and ,development ,act2 7,b7 heat for community heating1 industrial purposes1 heat storage1 or synthetic fuel production2 7,c7 remote or off-grid energy supply2 or 7,d7 backup or mission-critical power supplies2 7#b7 identifying research areas that the private sector is unable or unwilling to undertake due to the cost of1 or risks associated with1 the research2 and 7#c7 facilitating the access of the private sector-- 7,a7 to ,federal research facilities and personnel2 and 7,b7 to the results of research relating to civil nuclear technology funded by the ,federal ,government4 7c7 ,demonstration projects 7#a7 ,in general ,in carrying out the program established under subsection 7b71 the ,secretary shall1 to the maximum extent practicable-- 7,a7 enter into agreements to build not fewer than #b advanced nuclear reactors as demonstration projects to be completed not later than ,december #ca1 #bjbg2 and 7,b7 not later than ,december #ca1 #bjce1 to enter into not fewer than #b1 and not more than #e1 agreements1 to build advanced nuclear reactors as additional operational demonstration projects4 7#b7 ,requirements ,in carrying out demonstration projects under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 include1 as an evaluation criterion1 diversity in designs for the advanced nuclear reactors demonstrated under this section1 including designs using various-- 7i7 primary coolants2 7ii7 fuel types and compositions2 and 7iii7 neutron spectra2 7,b7 consider1 as an evaluation criterion1 the likelihood that the operating cost for future commercial units for each design implemented through a demonstration project under this subsection is cost-competitive in the applicable market1 including those designs configured as hybrid energy systems as described in section #ieb7;c72 7,c7 ensure that each evaluation of candidate technologies for the demonstration projects is completed through an external review of proposed designs1 which review shall-- 7i7 be conducted by a panel that includes not fewer than #a representative that does not have a conflict of interest of each of-- 7,i7 an electric utility2 7,,ii7 an entity that uses high-temperature process heat for manufacturing or industrial processing1 such as a petrochemical or synthetic fuel company1 a manufacturer of metals or chemicals1 or a manufacturer of concrete2 7,,iii7 an expert from the investment community2 7,,iv7 a project management practitioner2 and 7,v7 an environmental health and safety expert2 and 7ii7 include a review of each demonstration project under this subsection which shall include consideration of cost-competitiveness and other value streams1 together with the technology readiness level1 the technical abilities and qualifications of teams desiring to demonstrate a proposed advanced nuclear reactor technology1 the capacity to meet cost-share requirements of the ,department1 if ,federal funding is provided1 and environmental impacts2 7,d7 for federally funded demonstration projects1 enter into cost-sharing agreements with private sector partners in accordance with section #ihh for the conduct of activities relating to the research1 development1 and demonstration of advanced nuclear reactor designs under the program2 7,e7 work with private sector partners to identify potential sites1 including ,department-owned sites1 for demonstrations1 as appropriate2 7,f7 consult with-- 7i7 ,national ,laboratories2 7ii7 institutions of higher education2 7iii7 traditional end users 7such as electric utilities72 7iv7 potential end users of new technologies 7such as users of high-temperature process heat for manufacturing processing1 including petrochemical or synthetic fuel companies1 manufacturers of metals or chemicals1 or manufacturers of concrete72 7v7 developers of advanced nuclear reactor technology2 7vi7 environmental and public health and safety experts2 and 7vii7 non-proliferation experts2 7,g7 seek to ensure that the demonstration projects carried out under paragraph 7#a7 do not cause any delay in the progress of an advanced reactor project by private industry and the ,department of ,energy that is underway as of the date of enactment of this section2 7,h7 establish a streamlined approval process for expedited contracting between awardees and the ,department2 7,i7 identify technical challenges to candidate technologies2 7,j7 support near-term research and development to address the highest risk technical challenges to the successful demonstration of a selected advanced reactor technology1 in accordance with-- 7i7 subparagraph 7,a72 7ii7 the research and development activities under section #ieb7;b72 and 7iii7 the research and development activities under section #ieh2 and 7,k7 establish such technology advisory working groups as the ,secretary determines to be appropriate to advise the ,secretary regarding the technical challenges identified under subparagraph 7,a7 and the scope of research and development programs to address the challenges1 in accordance with subparagraph 7,b71 to be comprised of-- 7i7 private sector advanced nuclear reactor technology developers2 7ii7 technical experts with respect to the relevant technologies at institutions of higher education2 7iii7 technical experts at the ,national ,laboratories2 7iv7 environmental and public health and safety experts2 7v7 non-proliferation experts2 and 7vi7 any other entities the ,secretary determines appropriate4 7d7 ,milestone-,based demonstration projects 7#a7 ,in general ,using the authority of the ,secretary under section #fdf7;g7 of the ,department of ,energy ,organization ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #gbef7;g771 notwithstanding paragraph 7#aj7 of such section1 the ,secretary may carry out not more than #c demonstration projects under subsection 7c7 as a milestone-based demonstration project that requires particular technical and financial milestones to be met before a participant is awarded funds by the ,department4 7#b7 ,requirements ,in carrying out milestone-based demonstration projects under the authority in paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall1 for each relevant project-- 7,a7 request proposals from eligible entities1 as determined by the ,secretary1 that include-- 7i7 a business plan2 7ii7 a plan for raising private sector investment2 and 7iii7 proposed technical and financial milestones1 including estimated project timelines and total costs1 that are in accordance to the requirements specified in subsection 7c72 and 7,b7 award funding of a predetermined amount to projects that successfully meet proposed milestones under subparagraph 7,a77iii72 and 7,c7 require cost-sharing in accordance with ,section #ihh of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje4 7#c7 ,consultation ,in carrying out demonstration projects under this authority1 the ,secretary shall consult with experts from the investment community to assess project proposals and determine the commercial viability of project proposals4 7#d7 ,failure to meet milestones ,should an awardee not meet the milestones described in paragraph 7#b77;,a77iii71 the ,secretary may end the partnership with the awardee and use the remaining funds in the ended agreement for new or existing demonstration projects under this section4 7e7 ,nonduplication ,entities may not receive funds under this program if receiving funds from another reactor demonstration program at the ,department in the same fiscal year4 7f7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out the program under this subsection-- 7#a7 #ebj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba2 7#b7 #fgj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb2 7#c7 #fgj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc2 7#d7 #fgj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbd2 and 7#e7 #fgj1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbe4 4 7#b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-eh2 #aai ,stat4 #eid7 is amended-- 7,a7 in the items relating to sections #ieg1 #ieh1 and #iei1 by inserting ,sec4 before #i each place it appears2 and 7,b7 by inserting after the item relating to section #iei the following3 ,sec4 #iei;,a4 ,advanced nuclear reactor research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application program4 4 7h7 ,international nuclear energy cooperation 7#a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,e of title ,,ix of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbga et seq471 as amended by subsection 7g71 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 #iei;,b4 ,international nuclear energy cooperation 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 in consultation with international regulators1 shall carry out a program-- 7#a7 to coordinate international efforts with respect to research1 development1 demonstration1 and commercial application of nuclear technology that supports diplomatic1 nonproliferation1 climate1 and international economic objectives for the safe1 secure1 and peaceful use of such technology2 and 7#b7 to develop collaboration initiatives with respect to such efforts with a variety of countries through-- 7,a7 research and development agreements2 7,b7 the development of coordinated action plans2 and 7,c7 new or existing multilateral cooperation commitments including-- 7i7 the ,international ,framework for ,nuclear ,energy ,cooperation2 7ii7 the ,generation ,,iv ,international ,forum2 7iii7 the ,international ,atomic ,energy ,agency2 7iv7 the ,organization for ,economic ,co-operation and ,development ,nuclear ,energy ,agency2 and 7v7 any other international collaborative effort with respect to advanced nuclear reactor operations and safety4 7b7 ,requirements ,the program under subsection 7a7 shall be carried out to facilitate1 to the maximum extent practicable1 workshops and expert-based exchanges to engage industry1 stakeholders1 and foreign governments regarding international civil nuclear issues1 such as training1 financing1 safety1 and options for multinational cooperation on used nuclear fuel disposal4 4 7#b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-eh2 #aai ,stat4 #eid71 as amended by subsection 7g71 is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section #iei;,a the following3 ,sec4 #iei;,b4 ,international nuclear energy cooperation4 4 #d4 ,nuclear energy budget plan ,section #iei of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbgi7 is amended-- 7#a7 by amending subsection 7b7 to read as follows3 7b7 ,budget plan alternative #a ,one of the budget plans submitted under subsection 7a7 shall assume constant annual funding for #aj years at the appropriated level for the current fiscal year for the civilian nuclear energy research and development of the ,department4 2 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7d7 the following3 7e7 ,updates ,not less frequently than once every #b years1 the ,secretary shall submit to the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate updated #aj-year budget plans which shall identify1 and provide a justification for1 any major deviation from a previous budget plan submitted under this section4 4 #e4 ,organization and administration of programs 7a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,e of title ,,ix of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #afbga et seq471 as amended by section #c7;h71 is further amended by adding at the end of the following3 #iei;,c4 ,organization and administration of programs 7a7 ,coordination ,in carrying out this subtitle1 the ,secretary shall coordinate activities1 and effectively manage crosscutting research priorities across programs of the ,department and other relevant ,federal agencies1 including the ,national ,laboratories4 7b7 ,collaboration 7#a7 ,in general ,in carrying out this subtitle1 the ,secretary shall collaborate with industry1 ,national ,laboratories1 other relevant ,federal agencies1 institutions of higher education1 including minority-serving institutions and research reactors1 ,tribal entities1 including ,alaska ,native ,corporations1 and international bodies with relevant scientific and technical expertise4 7#b7 ,participation ,to the extent practicable1 the ,secretary shall encourage research projects that promote collaboration between entities specified in paragraph 7#a74 7c7 ,dissemination of results and public availability ,the ,secretary shall1 except to the extent protected from disclosure under section #eeb7;b7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 publish the results of projects supported under this subtitle through ,department websites1 reports1 databases1 training materials1 and industry conferences1 including information discovered after the completion of such projects4 7d7 ,education and outreach ,in carrying out the activities described in this subtitle1 the ,secretary shall support education and outreach activities to disseminate information and promote public understanding of nuclear energy4 7e7 ,technical assistance ,in carrying out this subtitle1 for the purposes of supporting technical1 nonhardware1 and information-based advances in nuclear energy development and operations1 the ,secretary shall also conduct technical assistance and analysis activities1 including activities that support commercial application of nuclear energy in rural1 ,tribal1 and low-income communities4 7f7 ,program review ,at least annually1 all programs in this subtitle shall be subject to an annual review by the ,nuclear ,energy ,advisory ,committee of the ,department or other independent entity1 as appropriate4 7g7 ,sensitive information ,the ,secretary shall not publish any information generated under this subtitle that is detrimental to national security1 as determined by the ,secretary4 4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7,public ,law #aji-eh2 #aai ,stat4 #eid71 as amended by section #c7;h71 is further amended by inserting after the item relating to section #iei;,b the following3 ,sec4 #iei;,c4 ,organization and administration of programs4 4