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U.S. Senate Approves Bill to Support Advanced Nuclear Energy Deployment, According to Reuters

U.S. Senate Passes Bill to Accelerate Nuclear Energy Deployment

On June 18, the U.S. Senate approved a bill aimed at expediting the expansion of nuclear energy capacity by streamlining the permitting process and introducing incentives for advanced nuclear reactor technologies.

The initiative to increase nuclear power has garnered wide bipartisan support. Democrats emphasize its importance for decarbonizing the power sector and tackling climate change, while Republicans view it as a means to ensure reliable electricity and create jobs.

The bill, which had previously passed in the House of Representatives, now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature to become law, having secured an overwhelming 88-2 vote in the Senate.

Senator Tom Carper, a Democrat and Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, described the passage of the ADVANCE Act as a significant win for both climate change efforts and American energy security. Meanwhile, Republican committee member Shelley Moore Capito highlighted the collaborative efforts of Congress to acknowledge nuclear energy’s vital role in the nation’s future.

Among its provisions, the bill aims to lower regulatory costs for companies pursuing licenses for advanced nuclear reactor technologies, create a prize for the successful deployment of next-generation reactors, and expedite licensing processes for nuclear facilities at specific sites.

This legislation could benefit firms such as TerraPower, backed by Bill Gates, which is attempting to construct a $4 billion Natrium reactor in Wyoming at a former coal plant site, but is currently facing challenges in obtaining an essential permit.

However, non-proliferation organizations, including the Union of Concerned Scientists, have expressed concerns regarding the relaxation of licensing requirements for high-tech nuclear reactors, particularly those utilizing advanced fuels such as high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU). They argue that safety must remain the top priority.

The U.S. nuclear industry has faced difficulties expanding over recent decades due to rising costs, intricate permitting processes, and challenges in funding and developing advanced nuclear technologies.

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