ADVANCE Act

On July 9^th, 2024, President Joe Biden signed into law the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act. Senator Shelley Capito of West Virginia introduced the ADVANCE Act in March of 2023 with the goal to advance nuclear energy and technologies for the United States (U.S.) while strengthening nuclear leadership and improving the regulation of nuclear energy (Congress Bill S. 1111). Through this Bill, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) was required to develop a process of timely licensing for nuclear facilities and establish initiatives of licensing advanced nuclear fuels. Below are the main goals and requirements created by the ADVANCE Act:

• It will strengthen and improve American nuclear energy leadership such as the NRC and the Department of Energy (DOE). The NRC will gain authority to spearhead global efforts in crafting rules for advanced nuclear reactors while the DOE is tasked with enhancing its approval process for exporting U.S. technology abroad, ensuring nuclear non-proliferation standards are upheld.
• Leadership will foster innovation in nuclear energy by streamlining regulatory processes, offering incentives for successful deployment of advanced nuclear reactor technologies, and facilitating quicker licensing and deployment at both new and existing energy sites.
• It will aim to preserve existing nuclear energy infrastructure by updating regulations to ensure preservation and modernization.
• Its focus is on bolstering the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle and supply chain in infrastructure by empowering the NRC to qualify and license safer and more economically competitive fuels, and by evaluating advanced manufacturing methods to improve reactor construction efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Efforts are underway to enhance the NRC’s capabilities and efficiency by providing the correct tools to enable recruitment of highly skilled personnel for advanced reactor licenses, implementing a structured licensing framework for efficient and timely regulatory reviews, and simplifying the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review process.

By signing the ADVANCE Act into law, the U.S. shows its desire to advance nuclear energy, transition to low-emission energy generation, and achieve cleaner energy goals. This spotlight on nuclear energy will provide this industry with the tools and modernization necessary to impact energy generation throughout the U.S. and internationally.

Today, there are a little over four hundred nuclear reactors world-wide, with the United States, China, and France leading in amount of nuclear power generated. Nuclear energy, as a low-carbon and dependable power source, plays a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. It not only provides stable and affordable electricity but also stimulates job creation and supports industrial growth. Despite its advantages, public concerns continue regarding safety, radioactive waste, and security. The ADVANCE Act aims to address these issues by equipping nuclear organizations with the necessary resources to enhance research, advance education, and expand opportunities in the sector.

If you have any questions pertaining to the ADVANCE Act or how to become more energy efficient, please reach out to ALL4’s ESG and Sustainability team of experts. You can contact me at lblasius@all4inc.com or (770) 999-0270; or James Giannantonio at jgiannantonio@all4inc.com or (215) 391-4691.