§16025 Project Timelines and Authorization of Appropriations

Summary

By September 30, 2011, the Secretary must pick the technology for high‑temperature hydrogen and set the basic design for the prototype nuclear plant, or tell Congress a new date. Using the Idaho National Laboratory, the Secretary may fund up to four teams for up to two years to make detailed proposals, pick one final design, and use that design’s lead company to finish design and build the project. By September 30, 2021, the Secretary must finish and start operating the prototype reactor and related energy or hydrogen facilities, or report a new date to Congress. Congress authorized $1,250,000,000 for fiscal years 2006–2015 and allowed whatever amounts are needed for fiscal years 2016–2021, including possible transfers to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.