§13494 Prototype Demonstration of Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technology

Summary

The Secretary must ask for proposals, within 3 years after October 24, 1992, to do preliminary engineering for no more than 2 advanced nuclear reactor technologies that the Department of Energy developed, but not advanced light water reactors. The proposals must be for modular designs big enough to show they can meet rules for a standardized design. By September 30, 1998, the Secretary must tell Congress whether to build one or more prototype reactors. The report must pick preferred technology(ies), give construction and operation milestones, show funding needs, and say what non‑Federal money is expected. The Secretary must give public notice, get comments, and ask the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other experts for views. At least 50 percent of program funding must come from non‑Federal sources, and the amount of private cost sharing helps decide which project to pick. Any chosen technology should, as much as possible, match the characteristics in section 13493(a).