U.S. Department of Energy Civil Nuclear Credit Program

The Second Round Awards Cycle Opened on March 2, 2023.

The Civil Nuclear Credit (CNC) Program was enacted by the Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The CNC program was established to support continued operations of Nuclear Reactors in the United States that would otherwise shut down due to economic circumstances. The IIJA authorizes and appropriates $6 billion -- $1.2 billion in each of Fiscal Years 2022 through 2026 to fund credits to be awarded to Nuclear Reactors that are projected to retire.

Under the new program, Owners or Operators of commercial U.S. Nuclear Reactors can apply for certification to bid on credits to support their continued operations. A Certification Application must demonstrate the reactor is projected to close for economic reasons and that closure will lead to a rise in air pollutants and carbon emissions. The Secretary of Energy must also determine that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has reasonable assurance that the reactor will continue to be operated in accordance with its current licensing basis and poses no significant safety hazards .

Credits will be allocated to selected certified reactors over a four-year period beginning on the date of the selection. Credits can be allocated through September 30, 2031, if funds remain available.

While the first award cycle limited eligibility to owners or operators of nuclear power reactors that had announced intentions to retire within the four-year award period, the second award cycle is open to owners or operators of nuclear reactors that are at risk of closure by the end of the four-year award period, including such reactors that ceased operations after November 15, 2021. Applications for the second CNC award were received by May 31, 2023. 

A letter of intent is requested in the first 30 days after publication of the Guidance for Period 2 awards, for Owners or Operators of Nuclear Reactors to express their interest in applying to the second award cycle. Submissions of LOIs will be kept confidential. The LOI should be sent to Alden Allen, COE Contract Specialist at: [email protected].

Registration for an account to submit an application is available at this time via the “Log In” button in the top righthand corner. Select “Create New Account” on the linked page. Submissions may be made via the Applications tab under the "Create New Application" link for the open call.

The Program Guidance is available for review at https://sam.gov/opp/c89f5456c69c46e99535558222ed53a1/view

For More Information, including the Guidance on the program, visit: https://www.energy.gov/ne/civil-nuclear-credit-program