§ 16273. Fuel cycle research, development, demonstration, and commercial application

• (a)
  • (1) The Secretary shall conduct an advanced fuel cycle research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program to improve fuel cycle performance, minimize environmental and public health and safety impacts, and support a variety of options for used nuclear fuel storage, use, and disposal, including advanced nuclear reactor and non-reactor concepts (such as radioisotope power systems), which may include—
    • (A) dry cask storage;
    • (B) consolidated interim storage;
    • (C) deep geological storage and disposal, including mined repository, and other technologies;
    • (D) used nuclear fuel transportation;
    • (E) integrated waste management systems;
    • (F) vitrification;
    • (G) fuel recycling and transmutation technologies, including advanced reprocessing technologies such as electrochemical and molten salt technologies, and advanced redox extraction technologies;
    • (H) advanced materials to be used in subparagraphs (A) through (G); and
    • (I) other areas as determined by the Secretary.
  • (2) In carrying out the program under this subsection, the Secretary shall—
    • (A) ensure all activities and designs incorporate state of the art safeguards technologies and techniques to reduce risk of proliferation;
    • (B) consult with the Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration to integrate safeguards and security by design;
    • (C) consider the potential benefits and other impacts of those activities for civilian nuclear applications, environmental health and safety, and national security, including consideration of public consent; and
    • (D) consider the economic viability of all activities and designs.
  • (3) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the program under this subsection $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.
• (b)
  • (1) The Secretary shall conduct an advanced fuels research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program on next-generation light water reactor and advanced reactor fuels that demonstrate the potential for improved—
    • (A) performance;
    • (B) accident tolerance;
    • (C) proliferation resistance;
    • (D) use of resources;
    • (E) environmental impact; and
    • (F) economics.
  • (2) In carrying out the program under this subsection, the Secretary shall focus on the development of advanced technology fuels, including fabrication techniques, that offer improved accident-tolerance and economic performance with the goal of initial commercial application by December 31, 2025 .
  • (3) Not later than 180 days December 27, 2020 , the Secretary shall submit 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 that describes how the technologies and concepts studied under this program would impact reactor economics, the fuel cycle, operations, safety, proliferation, and the environment.
  • (4) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the program under this subsection $125,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.