Advanced Nuclear Energy Licensing Cost-Share Grant Program
🏛 Idaho Field Office
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations developing advanced nuclear energy technologies seeking support for licensing costs. Applicants must be commercial entities, private developers, or industry consortia with viable advanced reactor designs. Projects must demonstrate technical merit and commercialization potential. Eligible activities include nuclear design licensing support, regulatory pathway development, and cost-sharing for NRC licensing reviews. Geographic scope is the United States, with preference for projects aligned with DOE's advanced reactor priorities.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for organizations developing advanced nuclear energy technologies seeking support for licensing costs. Applicants must be commercial entities, private developers, or industry consortia with viable advanced reactor designs. Projects must demonstrate technical merit and commercialization potential. Eligible activities include nuclear design licensing support, regulatory pathway development, and cost-sharing for NRC licensing reviews. Geographic scope is the United States, with preference for projects aligned with DOE's advanced reactor priorities.
Program description
U.S. Advanced Nuclear Energy Licensing Cost-Share Grant Program
The application deadline for current review cycle, anticipated selection notification date for the current review cycle, and anticipated award date for current review cycle have changed. See date changes on page 6 of NOFO Part 1. Also, applications must now be submitted within the respective application period (July 1 – September 30). See date changes on page 24 of NOFO Part 1.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Startup
- Tribal Nation
Details
This grant is for organizations developing advanced nuclear energy technologies seeking support for licensing costs. Applicants must be commercial entities, private developers, or industry consortia with viable advanced reactor designs. Projects must demonstrate technical merit and commercialization potential. Eligible activities include nuclear design licensing support, regulatory pathway development, and cost-sharing for NRC licensing reviews. Geographic scope is the United States, with preference for projects aligned with DOE's advanced reactor priorities.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (OMB application form)
- Project Narrative (technical and commercialization approach)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Cost-Share Agreement and documentation
- Letters of Support (industry partners, utilities)
- Organizational Capability Statement
- NRC Pre-Application Meeting Summary (if available)
Program contact
- 👤 Idaho Field Office
- 📧 allenar@id.doe.gov
- 📞 2022871878
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 81.121 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$983,037,068
-
$921,717,024
-
$262,655,693
-
Cfpp Llc UT$164,741,352
-
$104,148,813
-
$98,532,737
-
$87,719,689
-
$79,918,202
-
$66,402,000
-
$65,338,120
Top States by Funding
- WA 1 awards $983.0M
- MD 3 awards $924.9M
- OR 2 awards $264.3M
- PA 10 awards $218.8M
- VA 5 awards $171.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this cost-share grant?
Commercial companies, private developers, and industry partnerships developing advanced nuclear reactors. Organizations must have technical expertise and a credible commercialization plan.
What's the application deadline?
September 30, 2026, with applications opening January 8, 2025. Check the full FOA for any rolling deadlines or multiple submission windows.
What activities does this grant fund?
Licensing support, NRC regulatory pathway development, and design certification expenses. Cost-sharing arrangements between DOE and applicant are required.
How competitive is this funding?
Very competitive. Only projects with mature designs and clear commercialization timelines receive priority. Strong technical and financial documentation is essential.
What funding amounts are typical?
Cost-share grants vary widely based on project scope. Contact DOE-ID directly for budget guidance on your specific advanced reactor design.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with a clear statement of your advanced reactor technology and its current development stage. Reviewers need to understand your design's maturity level quickly.
- Develop a detailed cost-share plan showing your organization's financial commitment and timeline. This demonstrates serious commercialization intent.
- Link your licensing strategy directly to NRC requirements and milestones. Show how DOE funding accelerates your regulatory pathway.
- Build strong letters of support from industry partners, utilities, or fuel suppliers. External validation strengthens competitiveness significantly.
- Budget conservatively and justify every cost-share dollar. Reviewers scrutinize nuclear projects for financial realism and technical feasibility.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack realistic commercialization timelines or overestimate market demand. Cost-sharing plans are vague or underestimate applicant's true financial commitment. Licensing strategy fails to address specific NRC concerns or pathway complexities.
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