 INL News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS:
Tiffany Adams, 208-520-9509, tiffany.adams@inl.gov
Sarah Neumann, 208-520-1651, sarah.neumann@inl.gov
(IDAHO FALLS, Idaho) — The U.S. Department of Energy and the National Reactor Innovation Center are proud to announce the establishment of the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad. This NRIC initiative will promote the rapid development and implementation of advanced nuclear technologies by private industry.
The Launch Pad initiative builds on the success of Department of Energy’s Reactor Pilot Program and Fuel Line Pilot Program, creating a strong innovative ecosystem to speed up advanced nuclear technology deployment using flexible technical and regulatory frameworks on federal and nonfederal lands.
DOE established the Reactor Pilot Program in June 2025 in response to Executive Order 14301, leveraging DOE authorization and establishing a new DOE pathway for advanced reactor demonstration with the goal of achieving criticality in at least three reactors by July 4, 2026. In August 2025, DOE established the Fuel Line Pilot Program to support the Reactor Pilot Program and leverage DOE authorization to establish a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain for testing new reactors.
To date, DOE has accepted 11 projects into the Reactor Pilot Program and nine projects into the Fuel Line Pilot Program, demonstrating strong demand and validating the approach. DOE plans to extend and expand the ability for nuclear technology developers to obtain DOE Authorization by transitioning the pilot programs’ new and future applicants to the Launch Pad.
The Launch Pad will build on DOE's pilot programs and expand beyond authorization to include the testing and operation necessary to scale first-of-a-kind technologies toward widescale commercial deployment. This integrated approach ensures continuity from initial pilot authorization through extended operational validation, reducing the risk and timelines for advanced reactors and other advanced nuclear facility commercialization.
"The Launch Pad initiative will empower developers by providing the resources and support necessary to advance the deployment of innovative nuclear technologies and contribute to a sustainable and secure energy future for our nation,” said Rian Bahran, DOE deputy assistant secretary for Nuclear Reactors. "Through this initiative, developers can access infrastructure, expertise, and services essential for the siting, construction, and operation of their nuclear facilities.”
“The Nuclear Energy Launch Pad represents a significant evolution in the ecosystem for advancing nuclear technologies from concept to deployment," said Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner. "Launch Pad INL offers nuclear developers something unprecedented: An 890-square-mile federal site with more than 75 years of reactor testing experience, existing infrastructure, direct access to national nuclear expertise and streamlined regulatory pathways — all enabling developers to move from demonstration to deployment at the pace America's energy security demands."
The Launch Pad initiative offers two pathways for nuclear developers – Launch Pad Idaho National Laboratory and Launch Pad United States of America.
Launch Pad INL
Launch Pad INL covers more than 2,000 acres, divided into several plots for private nuclear tech developers. Eligible projects include advanced reactors, fuel fabrication, recycling, enrichment and other innovations.
Overall benefits:
- Land suitable for different nuclear applications and regulatory deployment structure.
- Accelerated identification, allocation and assessment of sites.
- Access to INL’s existing utilities and services.
- Direct access to specialized nuclear expertise, as needed.
- Assistance navigating the complexities of nuclear regulations for DOE authorization or Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing.
- A flexible contract framework with DOE and INL.
Launch Pad USA
Launch Pad USA will facilitate projects at other DOE sites, national laboratories, and nonfederal sites. This pathway will build upon the successes of DOE’s pilot programs and continue to offer the ability to authorize the operation of nuclear reactors and fuel cycle facilities outside of Idaho National Laboratory.
Overall benefits:
- Remote or project-specific access to specialized nuclear expertise at INL or other national laboratories, as needed.
- Assistance in navigating the complexities of nuclear regulations for DOE authorization.
- A flexible contract framework with DOE.
- High flexibility to leverage unique regional or project-specific advantages.
When to apply
NRIC will accept and evaluate applications for the Launch Pad annually, with the initial request for applications (RFA) expected in the next few months. Application requirements and review criteria will mirror those used in the DOE Reactor and Fuel Line Pilot Programs RFAs. This will ensure that companies that have already applied for the pilot programs can seamlessly transition to NRIC Launch Pad without reapplying. To learn more about Launch Pad, visit nric.inl.gov. NRIC will also host an Industry Day in conjunction with the release of the RFA for nuclear energy developers that will be announced at a later date.
About Idaho National Laboratory
Battelle Energy Alliance manages INL for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy. INL is the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development, and also performs research in each of DOE’s strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and the environment. For more information, visit . Follow us on social media: , , and .
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