Sec. 714. Nuclear energy innovation

213 words·~1 min read·/bill/114/s/2012/eah/section-714

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the National Laboratories, relevant Federal agencies, and other stakeholders, shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report assessing the Department’s capabilities to authorize, host, and oversee privately funded fusion and non-light water reactor prototypes and related demonstration facilities at Department-owned sites.

For purposes of this report, the Secretary shall consider the Department’s capabilities to facilitate privately-funded prototypes up to 20 megawatts thermal output. The report shall address the following: The Department’s safety review and oversight capabilities. Potential sites capable of hosting research, development, and demonstration of prototype reactors and related facilities for the purpose of reducing technical risk. The Department’s and National Laboratories’ existing physical and technical capabilities relevant to research, development, and oversight.

The efficacy of the Department’s available contractual mechanisms, including cooperative research and development agreements, work for others agreements, and agreements for commercializing technology. Potential cost structures related to physical security, decommissioning, liability, and other long-term project costs. Other challenges or considerations identified by the Secretary, including issues related to potential cases of demonstration reactors up to 2 gigawatts of thermal output.