[Senate Report 116-203]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 353
116th Congress } { Report
SENATE
2d Session } { 116-203
======================================================================
NUCLEAR ENERGY RENEWAL ACT OF 2019
_______
January 9, 2020.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Ms. Murkowski, from the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources, submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany S. 2368]
The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to which was
referred the bill (S. 2368) to amend the Atomic Energy Act of
1954 and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to support licensing and
relicensing of certain nuclear facilities and nuclear energy
research, demonstration, and development, and for other
purposes, having considered the same, reports favorably thereon
with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an
amendment to the title and recommends that the bill, as
amended, do pass.
Amendments
The amendments are as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nuclear Energy Renewal Act of
2019''.
SEC. 2. LIGHT WATER REACTOR SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM.
Section 952 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16272) is
amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program.--The Secretary
shall carry out a light water reactor sustainability program--
``(1) to ensure the achievement of maximum benefits from
existing nuclear generation;
``(2) to accommodate the increase in applications for nuclear
power plant license renewals expected as of the date of
enactment of this subsection;
``(3) to enable the continued operation of existing nuclear
power plants through technology development;
``(4) to improve the performance and reduce the operation and
maintenance costs of nuclear power plants;
``(5) to promote the use of high-performance computing to
simulate nuclear reactor processes;
``(6) to coordinate with other research and development
programs of the Office of Nuclear Energy to ensure that
developed technologies and capabilities are part of an
integrated investment strategy, the overall focus of which is
improving the safety, security, reliability, and economics of
operating nuclear power plants; and
``(7) to focus on--
``(A) new capabilities relating to nuclear energy
research and development;
``(B) enabling technologies beyond individual
programs;
``(C) coordinating capabilities among the research
and development programs of the Office of Nuclear
Energy;
``(D) examining new classes of materials not
considered for nuclear applications;
``(E) high-risk research, which could potentially
overcome technological limitations; and
``(F) the potential for industry partnerships to
develop technologies relating to storage, hydrogen
production, high-temperature process heat, and other
relevant areas.''.
SEC. 3. NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND DEMONSTRATION.
Section 952 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16272) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Advanced Reactor Technologies Development Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a program
under which the Secretary shall conduct research relating to
the development of innovative nuclear reactor technologies that
may offer improved safety, functionality, and affordability.
``(2) Requirements.--The program under this subsection
shall--
``(A) support efforts to reduce long-term technical
barriers for advanced nuclear energy systems; and
``(B) be carried out in consultation with the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission to ensure identification of any
relevant concerns.''.
SEC. 4. ADVANCED FUELS DEVELOPMENT.
Section 953 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16273) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (a) through (d) as
paragraphs (1), (3), (4), and (5), respectively, and indenting
appropriately;
(2) in paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)--
(A) by striking ``this section'' and inserting ``this
subsection'';
(B) by striking ``minimize environmental'' and
inserting ``improve fuel cycle performance while
minimizing the cost and complexity of processing,
environmental impacts,''; and
(C) by striking ``the Generation IV'';
(3) by inserting after paragraph (1) (as so redesignated) the
following:
``(2) Considerations.--In carrying out activities under the
program, the Secretary shall consider the potential benefits of
those activities for civilian nuclear applications,
environmental remediation, and national security.'';
(4) by inserting after paragraph (5) (as so redesignated) the
following:
``(6) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the program
$40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024.'';
(5) by inserting before paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(a) Material Recovery and Waste Form Development.--''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Advanced Fuels.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a program to
conduct research relating to--
``(A) next-generation light water reactor fuels that
demonstrate improved--
``(i) performance; and
``(ii) accident tolerance; and
``(B) advanced reactor fuels that demonstrate
improved--
``(i) proliferation resistance; and
``(ii) use of resources.
``(2) Requirements.--In carrying out the program under this
subsection, the Secretary shall--
``(A) focus on the development of accident-tolerant
fuel and cladding concepts that are capable of
achieving initial commercialization by December 31,
2025;
``(B) conduct studies regarding the means by which
those concepts would impact reactor economics, the fuel
cycle, operations, safety, and the environment;
``(C) subject to paragraph (3), publish the results
of the studies conducted under subparagraph (B); and
``(D) cooperate with institutions of higher education
through the Nuclear Energy University and Integrated
Research Projects programs of the Department.
``(3) Sensitive information.--The Secretary shall not publish
any information under paragraph (2)(C) that is detrimental to
national security, as determined by the Secretary.
``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the program
under this subsection $120,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2020 through 2024.''.
SEC. 5. NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT.
(a) In General.--Section 954 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42
U.S.C. 16274) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``University
nuclear'' and inserting ``Nuclear'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``this section'' and inserting ``this
subsection''; and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (5) as
subparagraphs (A) through (E), respectively, and
indenting appropriately;
(3) in subsection (c), by redesignating paragraphs (1) and
(2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and indenting
appropriately;
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``this section'' and inserting ``this
subsection''; and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as
subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively, and
indenting appropriately;
(5) in subsection (e), by striking ``this section'' and
inserting ``this subsection'';
(6) in subsection (f)--
(A) by striking ``this section'' and inserting ``this
subsection''; and
(B) by striking ``subsection (b)(2)'' and inserting
``paragraph (2)(B)'';
(7) by redesignating subsections (a) through (f) as
paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (6), and (7), respectively, and
indenting appropriately;
(8) by inserting after paragraph (4) (as so redesignated) the
following:
``(5) Radiological facilities management.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a
program under which the Secretary shall provide project
management, technical support, quality engineering and
inspection, and nuclear material support to research
reactors located at universities.
``(B) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition
to any amounts appropriated to carry out the program
under this subsection, there is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the program
under this paragraph $15,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2020 through 2024.'';
(9) by inserting before paragraph (1) (as so redesignated)
the following:
``(a) University Nuclear Science and Engineering Support.--''; and
(10) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Nuclear Energy Apprenticeship Subprogram.--
``(1) Establishment.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish a nuclear energy
apprenticeship subprogram under which the Secretary shall
establish competitively awarded traineeships and
apprenticeships in industries that are represented by skilled
labor unions and with universities to provide focused,
graduate-level training to meet highly focused needs through a
tailored academic graduate program that delivers a curriculum
with a rigorous thesis or dissertation research requirement
aligned with the critical needs of the Department with respect
to mission-driven workforce.
``(2) Requirements.--In carrying out the subprogram under
this subsection, the Secretary shall--
``(A) encourage appropriate partnerships among
National Laboratories, affected universities, and
industry; and
``(B) on an annual basis, evaluate the needs of the
nuclear energy community to implement traineeships for
focused topical areas addressing mission-specific
workforce needs.
``(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the subprogram
under this subsection $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020
through 2024.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109--58; 119 Stat. 600) is amended by
striking the item relating to section 954 and inserting the following:
``SEC. 954. NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT.''.
SEC. 6. INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR ENERGY COOPERATION.
(a) In General.--Subtitle H of Title IX of the Energy Policy Act of
2005 (42 U.S.C. 16341 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 986B. INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR ENERGY COOPERATION. --
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a program to
develop bilateral collaboration initiatives with a variety of countries
through--
``(1) research and development agreements;
``(2) other relevant arrangements and action plan updates;
and
``(3) maintaining existing multilateral cooperation
commitments of--
``(A) the International Framework for Nuclear Energy
Cooperation;
``(B) the Generation IV International Forum;
``(C) the International Atomic Energy Agency; and
``(D) any other international collaborative effort
with respect to advanced nuclear reactor operations and
safety.
``(b) Subprogram.--
``(1) In general.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish a subprogram that
shall--
``(A) support diplomatic, nonproliferation, climate,
and international economic objectives for the safe,
secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology in
countries developing nuclear energy programs, with a
focus on countries that have increased civil nuclear
cooperation with Russia and China; and
``(B) be modeled after the International Military
Education and Training program of the Department of
State.
``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the subprogram
under this subsection $5,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2020
through 2024.
``(c) Requirements.--The program under subsection (a) shall be
carried out--
``(1) to facilitate, to the maximum extent practicable,
workshops and expert-based exchanges to engage industry,
stakeholders, and foreign governments regarding international
civil nuclear issues, such as training, financing, safety, and
options for multinational cooperation on used nuclear fuel
disposal; and
``(2) in coordination with--
``(A) the National Security Council;
``(B) the Secretary of State;
``(C) the Secretary of Commerce; and
``(D) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109--58; 119 Stat. 600) is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 986A the following:
``SEC. 986B. INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR ENERGY COOPERATION.''.
Amend the title so as to read: ``A bill to amend the Energy Policy
Act of 2005 to support nuclear energy research, development, and
demonstration, and for other purposes.''.
Purpose
The purpose of S. 2368, as ordered reported, is to amend
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct '05, Public Law 109-58) to
support nuclear energy research, development, and
demonstration.
Background and Need
According to a 2019 report by the International Energy
Agency (IEA), nuclear energy is the second largest source of
low-carbon electricity in the world, and is essential to
meeting global clean energy and climate goals. The report also
finds that the nuclear fleet in advanced economies is 35 years
old on average and many plants are nearing the end of their
designed lifetimes. IEA expects 25 percent of existing nuclear
capacity in advanced economies to be shut down by 2025.
This trend is evident in the United States, where nuclear
energy is the largest source of zero-emission electricity. Due
to a combination of aging and economic pressure, nine nuclear
reactors have closed since 2013 and another eight reactors have
announced closure by 2025. Only one new reactor has begun
operation in that time and only two new reactors are currently
under construction.
Conducting research on existing nuclear power plants can
enable those facilities to continue to operate safely for
longer periods of time. Other research programs into advanced
reactors have the potential to support new concepts that can be
more economically competitive than existing reactors.
S. 2368 would authorize many programs the Department of
Energy (DOE) is currently undertaking in nuclear energy
research. It would also modify the focus of several existing
programs, including international nuclear energy cooperation,
increase research and development focus on industrial
applications, and nuclear energy licensing support.
Legislative History
S. 2368 was introduced by Senators Coons and McSally on
July 31, 2019. The Energy Subcommittee held a hearing on the
measure on September 11, 2019.
The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources met in
open business session on November 19, 2019, and ordered S. 2368
favorably reported, as amended.
Committee Recommendation
The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in
open business session on November 19, 2019, by a majority voice
vote of a quorum present, recommends that the Senate pass S.
2368, if amended as described herein. Senators Lee and Hirono
asked to be recorded as voting no.
Committee Amendments
During its consideration of S. 2368, the Committee adopted
an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to
the title.
Section 2 of the substitute amendment establishes the light
water reactor sustainability program (discussed in the section-
by-section analysis) by amending section 952 of EPAct '05,
relating to light water reactor research, development, and
deployment programs, rather than section 621 of EPAct '05, as
was proposed by the underlying bill. Section 2 of the
substitute amendment also provides additional program guidance
and removes the authorization of appropriations authorization
found in the underlying bill.
The substitute amendment omits amendments to section 103 of
the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 proposed to be made by section 3
of the underlying bill. In its place, section 3 of the
substitute amendment amends section 952 of EPAct '05 to
establish an advanced reactor technologies development program.
The substitute amendment requires the program to support
efforts to reduce long-term technical barriers for advanced
nuclear energy systems in consultation with the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, but does not contain the specific focus
areas of research and development (R&D); the requirement that
the Secretary provide assistance to applicants with respect to
licensing nuclear advanced nuclear production facilities; or
the appropriations authorization found in the underlying bill.
The substitute amendment omits amendments to section 952 of
EPAct '05 relating to an advanced reactor technologies
development program proposed to be made by section 4 of the
underlying bill. In its place, section 4 of the substitute
amends section 953 of EPAct '05, relating to advanced nuclear
fuel development. Unlike section 4 of the underlying bill,
section 4 of the substitute amendment does not require the
advanced fuels program to focus on fast reactors, high-
temperature, gas-cooled reactors, or molten salt reactors. In
addition, unlike the underlying bill, the substitute amendment
does not require DOE to develop supercritical carbon dioxide
technologies.
The substitute amendment also adds a new section 5. Section
5 of the substitute amends section 954 of EPAct '05 by adding a
new subsection (a)(5), which authorizes the Secretary to
provide project management, technical support, quality
engineering and inspection, and nuclear material support to
university research reactors. Section 5 of the substitute also
amends section 954 of EPAct '05 to require the Secretary to
establish a nuclear energy apprenticeship program.
Finally, the substitute amendment adds a new section 6,
which amends title IX of EPAct '05 to add a new section 986B,
relating to international nuclear energy cooperation. The new
section 986B is similar to section 952(k) for EPAct '05 as
proposed to be added by the underlying bill, except that the
substitute amendment adds requirements to coordinate with the
International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation, the
Generation IV International Forum, and the International Atomic
Energy Agency. It also modifies the new subprogram on nuclear
energy training to be focused on countries that have increased
civil nuclear cooperation with Russia and China.
The title amendment removes the reference to the Atomic
Energy Act of 1954.
Section-by-Section Analysis
Section 1. Short title
Section 1 sets forth the short title of the bill.
Section 2. Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program
Section 2 amends section 952(b) of EPAct '05 by replacing
DOE's existing Nuclear Energy Systems Support Program with a
new Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program, intended to
achieve maximum benefit from existing nuclear generation,
enable continued operation of existing nuclear power plants
through technology development, and improve performance and
reduce plant operating and maintenance costs.
Section 3. Nuclear energy research, demonstration, and development
Section 3 adds a new subsection (e) to section 952 of EPAct
'05 to authorize an advanced nuclear energy research program to
develop innovative technologies that may offer improved safety,
functionality, and affordability by enhancing existing nuclear
technologies.
Section 4. Advanced fuels development
Section 4 amends section 953 of EPAct '05 by restructuring
the current section as subsection (a) and redesignating the
current subsections as paragraphs. It amends the redesignated
subsection (a)(1) to require DOE to evaluate technologies that
improve fuel cycle performance and reduce processing cost and
complexity, as well as minimize environmental and public health
and safety impacts. It also inserts a new subsection (a)(2),
which requires DOE to consider potential benefits for civilian
nuclear applications, environmental remediation, and national
security, and a new subsection (a)(6), which authorizes $40
million annually for fiscal years (FYs) 2020 through 2024 for
the modified section 953(a) of EPAct '05.
In addition, section 4 further amends section 953 of EPAct
'05 by adding a new subsection (b), which directs the Secretary
to carry out a research program on next-generation light water
reactor and advanced reactor fuels, and authorizes $120 million
annually for the new section 953(b) of EPAct '05 for FYs 2020
through 2024.
Section 5. Nuclear science and engineering support
Section 5 amends section 954 of EPAct '05 by restructuring
the current section as subsection (a) and redesignating the
current subsections as paragraphs. It adds a new paragraph (5)
to the redesignated subsection (a), which directs the Secretary
to carry out a radiological facilities management program to
provide project management, technical support, and nuclear
material support to university research reactors, and
authorizes $15 million annually for FYs 2020 through 2024.
In addition, section 5 amends section 952 to EPAct '05 by
adding a new subsection (b), which directs the Secretary to
establish a nuclear energy apprenticeship program, and
authorizes $5 million annually for FYs years 2020 through 2024
to carry out the apprenticeship program.
Section 6. International nuclear energy cooperation
Section 6 adds a new section 986B to EPAct '05 to authorize
an international nuclear energy cooperation program for
bilateral R&D agreements with foreign countries, including a
subprogram to develop nuclear energy in other countries to be
modeled after the International Military Education and Training
program of the Department of State. This section also
authorizes $5.5 million annually for this new subprogram for
FYs 2020 through 2024.
Cost and Budgetary Considerations
The Congressional Budget Office estimate of the costs of
this measure has been requested but was not received at the
time the report was filed. When the Congressional Budget Office
completes its cost estimate, it will be posted on the internet
at www.cbo.gov.
Regulatory Impact Evaluation
In compliance with paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee makes the following
evaluation of the regulatory impact which would be incurred in
carrying out S. 2368. The bill is not a regulatory measure in
the sense of imposing Government-established standards or
significant economic responsibilities on private individuals
and businesses.
No personal information would be collected in administering
the program. Therefore, there would be no impact on personal
privacy.
Little, if any, additional paperwork would result from the
enactment of S. 2368, as ordered reported.
Congressionally Directed Spending
S. 2368, as ordered reported, does not contain any
congressionally directed spending items, limited tax benefits,
or limited tariff benefits as defined in rule XLIV of the
Standing Rules of the Senate.
Executive Communications
The testimony provided by the Department of the Energy at
the September 11, 2019, hearing on S. 2368 follows:
Testimony of Under Secretary of Energy Mark W. Menezes, U.S. Department
of Energy
introduction
Chairman Cassidy, Ranking Member Heinrich, and Members of
the Subcommittee, it is a privilege and an honor to serve at
the Department of Energy (DOE or the Department), which is
tasked with, among other important responsibilities: overseeing
the Nation's nuclear energy research and development programs;
creating and sustaining American leadership in the transition
to a global clean energy economy; working effectively with the
States on our Nation's energy challenges; and supporting our
current, and developing our Nation's future, energy workforce.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today on behalf of the
Department regarding legislation pertinent to DOE that is now
pending in the Senate.
I have been asked to testify on nine (9) bills today. The
Administration continues to review all of these bills. I
appreciate the ongoing bipartisan efforts to address our
Nation's energy challenges and I look forward to working with
the Committee.
nuclear energy
As the major source of clean, reliable, and resilient
baseload electricity, nuclear energy is a strategic national
asset for the United States. It is an essential element of the
Nation's diverse energy portfolio helping to sustain the U.S.
economy and support our national goals. A strong domestic
nuclear industry enabled by the existing nuclear fleet and
enhanced by innovative technology developers is critical to our
national security interests as well.
S. 2368--Nuclear Energy Renewal Act
S. 2368, the Nuclear Energy Renewal Act, reauthorizes many
nuclear energy research and development programs and authorizes
several new activities to support the existing fleet of nuclear
power plants while simultaneously accelerating the development
of innovative advanced nuclear technologies. It supports
licensing and relicensing of certain nuclear facilities and
nuclear energy research, demonstration, and development.
The Department will continue to review the legislation and
looks forward to working with Congress as the legislative
process moves forward.
conclusion
Thank you again for the opportunity to be here today. The
Department appreciates the ongoing bipartisan efforts to
address our Nation's energy challenges, and looks forward to
working with the Committee on the legislation on today's agenda
and any future legislation. I would be happy to answer your
questions.
Changes in Existing Law
In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the changes in existing law made
by S. 2368, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman):
ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005
Public Law 109-58, as Amended
* * * * * * *
SECTION 1.--SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
* * * * * * *
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act
is as follows:
TITLE IX--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
* * * * * * *
Subtitle E--Nuclear Energy
Sec. 951. Nuclear energy.
Sec. 952. Nuclear energy research programs.
Sec. 953. Advanced fuel cycle initiative.
[Sec. 954. University nuclear science and engineering support.]
Sec. 954. Nuclear science and engineering support.
Sec. 955. Department of Energy civilian nuclear infrastructure and
Sec. 956. Security of nuclear facilities.
* * * * * * *
Subtitle H--International Cooperation
Sec. 985. Western Hemisphere energy cooperation.
Sec. 986. Cooperation between United States and Israel.
Sec. 986A. International energy training.
Sec. 986B. International nuclear energy cooperation.
* * * * * * *
TITLE IX--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
* * * * * * *
Subtitle E--Nuclear Energy
* * * * * * *
SEC. 952. NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH PROGRAMS.
(a) Nuclear Energy Research Initiative.--The Secretary
shall carry out a Nuclear Energy Research Initiative for
research and development related to nuclear energy.
[(b) Nuclear Energy Systems Support Program.--The Secretary
shall carry out a Nuclear Energy Systems Support Program to
support research and development activities addressing
reliability, availability, productivity, component aging,
safety, and security of existing nuclear power plants.]
(b) Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program.--The
Secretary shall carry out a light water reactor sustainability
program--
(1) to ensure the achievement of maximum benefits
from existing nuclear generation;
(2) to accommodate the increase in applications for
nuclear power plant license renewals expected as of the
date of enactment of this subsection;
(3) to enable the continued operation of existing
nuclear power plants through technology development;
(4) to improve the performance and reduce the
operation and maintenance costs of nuclear power
plants;
(5) to promote the use of high-performance computing
to simulate nuclear reactor processes;
(6) to coordinate with other research and development
programs of the Office of Nuclear Energy to ensure that
developed technologies and capabilities are part of an
integrated investment strategy, the overall focus of
which is improving the safety, security, reliability,
and economics of operating nuclear power plants; and
(7) to focus on--
(A) new capabilities relating to nuclear
energy research and development;
(B) enabling technologies beyond individual
programs;
(C) coordinating capabilities among the
research and development programs of the Office
of Nuclear Energy;
(D) examining new classes of materials not
considered for nuclear applications;
(E) high-risk research, which could
potentially overcome technological limitations;
and
(F) the potential for industry partnerships
to develop technologies relating to storage,
hydrogen production, high-temperature process
heat, and other relevant areas.
(c) Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems Initiative.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a
Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems Initiative to
develop an overall technology plan for and to support
research and development necessary to make an informed
technical decision about the most promising candidates
for eventual commercial application.
(2) Administration.--In conducting the Initiative,
the Secretary shall examine advanced proliferation-
resistant and passively safe reactor designs, including
designs that--
(A) are economically competitive with other
electric power generation plants;
(B) have higher efficiency, lower cost, and
improved safety compared to reactors in
operation on the date of enactment of this Act;
(C) use fuels that are proliferation
resistant and have substantially reduced
production of high-level waste per unit of
output; and
(D) use improved instrumentation.
(d) Reactor Production of Hydrogen.--The Secretary shall
carry out research to examine designs for high-temperature
reactors capable of producing large-scale quantities of
hydrogen.
(e) Advanced Reactor Technologies Development Program.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a
program under which the Secretary shall conduct
research relating to the development of innovative
nuclear reactor technologies that may offer improved
safety, functionality, and affordability.
(2) Requirements.--The program under this subsection
shall--
(A) support efforts to reduce long-term
technical barriers for advanced nuclear energy
systems; and
(B) be carried out in consultation with the
Nuclear Regulatory Commission to ensure
identification of any relevant concerns.
SEC. 953. ADVANCED FUEL CYCLE INITIATIVE.
(a) Material Recovery and Waste Form Development.--
[(a)] (1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct an
advanced fuel recycling technology research, development, and
demonstration program (referred to in this [section] subsection
as the ``program'') to evaluate proliferation-resistant fuel
recycling and transmutation technologies that [minimize
environmental] improve fuel cycle performance while minimizing
the cost and complexity of processing, environmental impacts,
and public health and safety impacts as an alternative to
aqueous reprocessing technologies deployed as of the date of
enactment of this Act in support of evaluation of alternative
national strategies for spent nuclear fuel and the [Generation
IV] advanced reactor concepts.
(2) Considerations.--In carrying out activities under the
program, the Secretary shall consider the potential benefits of
those activities for civilian nuclear applications,
environmental remediation, and national security.
[(b)] (3) Annual review.--The program shall be subject to
annual review by the Nuclear Energy Research Advisory Committee
of the Department or other independent entity, as appropriate.
[(c)] (4) International cooperation.--In carrying out the
program, the Secretary is encouraged to seek opportunities to
enhance the progress of the program through international
cooperation.
[(d)] (5) Reports.--The Secretary shall submit, as part of
the annual budget submission of the Department, a report on the
activities of the program.
(6) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the program
$40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024.
(b) Advanced Fuels.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a
program to conduct research relating to--
(A) next-generation light water reactor fuels
that demonstrate improved--
(i) performance; and
(ii) accident tolerance; and
(B) advanced reactor fuels that demonstrate
improved--
(i) proliferation resistance; and
(ii) use of resources.
(2) Requirements.--In carrying out the program under
this subsection, the Secretary shall--
(A) focus on the development of accident-
tolerant fuel and cladding concepts that are
capable of achieving initial commercialization
by December 31, 2025;
(B) conduct studies regarding the means by
which those concepts would impact reactor
economics, the fuel cycle, operations, safety,
and the environment;
(C) subject to paragraph (3), publish the
results of the studies conducted under
subparagraph (B); and
(D) cooperate with institutions of higher
education through the Nuclear Energy University
and Integrated Research Projects programs of
the Department.
(3) Sensitive information.--The Secretary shall not
publish any information under paragraph (2)(C) that is
detrimental to national security, as determined by the
Secretary.
(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry
out the program under this subsection $120,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024.''.
SEC. 954. [UNIVERSITY NUCLEAR] NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT.
(a) University Nuclear Science and Engineering Support.--
[(A)] (1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a
program to invest in human resources and infrastructure
in the nuclear sciences and related fields, including
health physics, nuclear engineering, and
radiochemistry, consistent with missions of the
Department related to civilian nuclear research,
development, demonstration, and commercial application.
[(b)] (2) Requirements.--In carrying out the program under
[this section] this subsection, the Secretary shall--
[(1)] (A) conduct a graduate and undergraduate
fellowship program to attract new and talented
students, which may include fellowships for students to
spend time at National Laboratories in the areas of
nuclear science, engineering, and health physics with a
member of the National Laboratory staff acting as a
mentor;
[(2)] (B) conduct a junior faculty research
initiation grant program to assist universities in
recruiting and retaining new faculty in the nuclear
sciences and engineering by awarding grants to junior
faculty for research on issues related to nuclear
energy engineering and science;
[(3)] (C) support fundamental nuclear sciences,
engineering, and health physics research through a
nuclear engineering education and research program;
[(4)] (D) encourage collaborative nuclear research
among industry, National Laboratories, and
universities; and
[(5)] (E) support communication and outreach related
to nuclear science, engineering, and health physics.
[(c)] (3) University national laboratory interactions.--The
Secretary shall conduct--
[(1)] (A) a fellowship program for professors at
universities to spend sabbaticals at National
Laboratories in the areas of nuclear science and
technology; and
[(2)] (B) a visiting scientist program in which
National Laboratory staff can spend time in academic
nuclear science and engineering departments.
[(d)] (4) Strengthening university research and training
reactors and associated infrastructure.--In carrying out the
program under this [section] this subsection, the Secretary may
support--
[(1)] (A) converting research reactors from high-
enrichment fuels to low-enrichment fuels and upgrading
operational instrumentation;
[(2)] (B) consortia of universities to broaden access
to university research reactors;
[(3)] (C) student training programs, in collaboration
with the United States nuclear industry, in relicensing
and upgrading reactors, including through the provision
of technical assistance; and
[(4)] (D) reactor improvements that emphasize
research, training, and education, including through
the Innovations in Nuclear Infrastructure and Education
Program or any similar program.
(5) Radiological facilities management.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall carry
out a program under which the Secretary shall
provide project management, technical support,
quality engineering and inspection, and nuclear
material support to research reactors located
at universities.
(B) Authorization of appropriations.--In
addition to any amounts appropriated to carry
out the program under this subsection, there is
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary
to carry out the program under this paragraph
$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020
through 2024.
[(e)] (6) Operations and maintenance.--Funding for a
project provided under [this section] this subsection may be
used for a portion of the operating and maintenance costs of a
research reactor at a university used in the project.
[(f)] (7) Definition.--In [this section] this subsection,
the term ``junior faculty'' means a faculty member who was
awarded a doctorate less than 10 years before receipt of an
award from the grant program described in [subsection (b)(2)]
paragraph (2)(B).
(b) Nuclear Energy Apprenticeship Subprogram.--
(1) Establishment.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish a nuclear
energy apprenticeship subprogram under which the
Secretary shall establish competitively awarded
traineeships and apprenticeships in industries that are
represented by skilled labor unions and with
universities to provide focused, graduate-level
training to meet highly focused needs through a
tailored academic graduate program that delivers a
curriculum with a rigorous thesis or dissertation
research requirement aligned with the critical needs of
the Department with respect to mission-driven
workforce.
(2) Requirements.--In carrying out the subprogram
under this subsection, the Secretary shall--
(A) encourage appropriate partnerships among
National Laboratories, affected universities,
and industry; and
(B) on an annual basis, evaluate the needs of
the nuclear energy community to implement
traineeships for focused topical areas
addressing mission-specific workforce needs.
(3) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry
out the subprogram under this subsection $5,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024
* * * * * * *
Subtitle H--International Cooperation
* * * * * * *
SEC. 986A. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY TRAINING.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the Interior, and
Secretary of State, and the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, shall coordinate training and outreach efforts for
international commercial energy markets in countries with
developing and restructuring economies.
(b) Components.--The training and outreach efforts referred
to in subsection (a) may include--
(1) production-related fiscal regimes;
(2) grid and network issues;
(3) energy user and demand side response;
(4) international trade of energy; and
(5) international transportation of energy.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,500,000 for
each of fiscal years 2007 through 2010.
SEC. 986B. INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR ENERGY COOPERATION. --
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a program to
develop bilateral collaboration initiatives with a variety of
countries through--
(1) research and development agreements;
(2) other relevant arrangements and action plan
updates; and
(3) maintaining existing multilateral cooperation
commitments of--
(A) the International Framework for Nuclear
Energy Cooperation;
(B) the Generation IV International Forum;
(C) the International Atomic Energy Agency;
and
(D) any other international collaborative
effort with respect to advanced nuclear reactor
operations and safety.
(b) Subprogram.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out the program under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish a
subprogram that shall--
(A) support diplomatic, nonproliferation,
climate, and international economic objectives
for the safe, secure, and peaceful use of
nuclear technology in countries developing
nuclear energy programs, with a focus on
countries that have increased civil nuclear
cooperation with Russia and China; and
(B) be modeled after the International
Military Education and Training program of the
Department of State.
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry
out the subprogram under this subsection $5,500,000 for
each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024.
(c) Requirements.--The program under subsection (a) shall
be carried out--
(1) to facilitate, to the maximum extent practicable,
workshops and expert-based exchanges to engage
industry, stakeholders, and foreign governments
regarding international civil nuclear issues, such as
training, financing, safety, and options for
multinational cooperation on used nuclear fuel
disposal; and
(2) in coordination with--
(A) the National Security Council;
(B) the Secretary of State;
(C) the Secretary of Commerce; and
(D) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
* * * * * * *
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