Website: [Congress.gov - ADVANCE Act of 2024 (S.870)](https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/870) ### Introduction The Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act of 2024 is a landmark piece of bipartisan [[Legislation|legislation]] enacted to bolster the development and deployment of advanced nuclear energy technologies in the United States. Introduced initially as the ADVANCE Act of 2023 in the Senate by Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) on March 30, 2023, the legislation evolved through various stages of congressional approval before being signed into law by President Joe Biden on July 9, 2024. The Act is not tied to a specific company or entity with a headquarters or employee count but is a governmental initiative aimed at reinforcing America's leadership in nuclear energy innovation. Its mission is to streamline regulatory processes, reduce licensing costs, and incentivize the deployment of next-generation nuclear reactors while maintaining safety standards. The legislation also seeks to support existing nuclear power plants and position the U.S. as a global leader in clean, carbon-free energy solutions [Congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/870). As a government program rather than a corporate entity, the ADVANCE Act does not have a public or private status in the traditional sense, nor does it operate with a ticker symbol. Instead, it functions as a policy framework administered through [[Federal|federal]] agencies like the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Department of Energy (DOE), impacting a wide range of stakeholders including nuclear technology developers, utilities, and government bodies [DOE.gov](https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/newly-signed-bill-will-boost-nuclear-reactor-deployment-united-states). ### Key Products and Technology The ADVANCE Act itself is not a product or technology but a legislative framework designed to support the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. Below are the key areas of focus within the Act, interpreted as supported technologies and initiatives: - **Advanced Nuclear Reactors (Various Types)** - **Type**: Includes Generation IV reactors, small modular reactors (SMRs), and microreactors. - **Technical Specifications**: Vary by design; SMRs typically range from 10-300 MWe, with higher efficiency and scalability compared to traditional reactors. - **Fuel Type or Energy Source**: Primarily uranium-based fuels, with some designs exploring thorium or recycled nuclear fuel. - **Key Differentiators**: Enhanced safety features (e.g., passive cooling systems), reduced construction costs, and modular designs for faster deployment. - **Development Stage**: Ranges from concept to operational; some designs are in NRC review or under construction by private companies. - **Target Customers**: Utilities for grid power, industrial sectors for process heat, and government for energy security applications. - **Nuclear Licensing and Regulatory Modernization** - **Type**: Policy initiative to streamline permitting and licensing. - **Technical Specifications**: Not applicable; focuses on reducing bureaucratic delays and costs. - **Fuel Type or Energy Source**: Not applicable. - **Key Differentiators**: Reduces licensing fees for advanced technologies and modernizes NRC processes for efficiency. - **Development Stage**: Implemented as of July 2024, with ongoing updates to regulatory frameworks. - **Target Customers**: Nuclear technology developers and utilities seeking faster project timelines. The ADVANCE Act supports a broad spectrum of nuclear innovations by creating favorable conditions for their advancement rather than developing specific technologies itself [NRC.gov](https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/governing-laws/advance-act). ### Regulatory and Licensing Status The ADVANCE Act directly addresses regulatory and licensing challenges in the nuclear sector by mandating reforms within the NRC. Key provisions include reducing licensing fees for advanced nuclear technologies, updating the NRC’s mission to align with modern energy goals, and streamlining permitting processes to accelerate reactor deployment. As of its enactment on July 9, 2024, the Act has already prompted the NRC to revise its mission statement and initiate efficiency measures for licensing advanced reactors [NRC.gov](https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/governing-laws/advance-act). Key regulatory milestones achieved include the passage of the Act through both the Senate (88-2 vote on June 18, 2024) and the House, followed by its signing into law. Upcoming milestones involve the full implementation of streamlined licensing processes, with the NRC expected to issue updated guidance and timelines for advanced reactor applications over the next few years. The estimated timeline for first commercial deployments of supported technologies varies by company and design but is generally anticipated to accelerate by 3-5 years due to these reforms, with some SMRs potentially operational by the late 2020s or early 2030s [DOE.gov](https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/newly-signed-bill-will-boost-nuclear-reactor-deployment-united-states). ### Team and Leadership As a legislative initiative, the ADVANCE Act does not have a traditional corporate team or executives. Instead, it was spearheaded by key congressional leaders who championed its development and passage: - **Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.)**: Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, lead sponsor of the ADVANCE Act of 2023, instrumental in its introduction and Senate passage. - **Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.)**: Chairman of the Senate EPW Committee, co-sponsor, and advocate for bipartisan support in advancing nuclear energy. - **Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.)**: Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, key supporter in the House for integrating the Act into broader legislation. - **Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.)**: Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, collaborated on bipartisan efforts to enact the law. No verified X handles are included for these individuals as the focus remains on their official roles rather than social media presence [Senate EPW](https://www.epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/signed-bipartisan-advance-act-to-boost-nuclear-energy-now-law). ### Funding and Financial Position The ADVANCE Act does not involve direct funding rounds or market capitalization as it is a legislative measure rather than a corporate entity. However, it includes provisions to reduce financial barriers for nuclear developers by lowering licensing fees and providing incentives for advanced reactor projects. The Act also indirectly supports funding through existing DOE programs and grants aimed at nuclear innovation, as well as tax credits established under related legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act for maintaining existing reactors [DOE.gov](https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/newly-signed-bill-will-boost-nuclear-reactor-deployment-united-states). There are no specific revenue figures associated with the Act itself, as it operates as a policy framework. Its financial impact is realized through the nuclear industry’s growth, with potential economic benefits including job creation and increased investment in clean energy infrastructure. ### Recent News and Developments | Date | Event | Details | |---------------|--------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Jul 28, 2025 | DOE Highlights Nuclear Licensing Progress | DOE announced advancements in nuclear licensing efficiency with ORNL and Atomic Canyon, aligning with ADVANCE Act goals [DOE X Post](https://x.com/ENERGY/status/1949937956728315998). | | Jan 29, 2025 | NRC Mission Update Acknowledged | Congressman Byron Donalds praised NRC’s mission statement update to reflect ADVANCE Act provisions [Rep. Donalds X Post](https://x.com/RepDonaldsPress/status/1884656912018358648). | | Jul 9, 2024 | ADVANCE Act Signed into Law | President Biden signed the Act, marking a major legislative win for nuclear energy deployment [Senate EPW](https://www.epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2024/7/signed-bipartisan-advance-act-to-boost-nuclear-energy-now-law). | | Jun 18, 2024 | Senate Passes ADVANCE Act | Senate approved the Act with an 88-2 vote as part of the Fire Grants and Safety Act [Van Ness Feldman](https://www.vnf.com/congress-passes-advance-act-to-accelerate-deployment-of-advanced-nuclear-reactors). | | Feb, 2024 | House Passes Companion Bill | House approved the Atomic Energy Advancement Act, aligning with ADVANCE Act objectives [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADVANCE_Act). | ### Partnerships and Collaborations The ADVANCE Act fosters collaboration across government and industry rather than establishing specific partnerships. Key collaborative frameworks include: - **Department of Energy (DOE)**: Provides support through grants and programs for nuclear innovation, aligning with ADVANCE Act goals to accelerate reactor deployment. Strategic value lies in funding and technical assistance for developers. - **Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)**: Central to implementing the Act’s regulatory reforms, working with industry stakeholders to streamline licensing. Strategic value is in reducing time-to-market for advanced reactors. - **Industry Stakeholders**: Includes nuclear technology companies and utilities benefiting from reduced licensing costs and faster approvals, with strategic value in fostering a competitive U.S. nuclear sector [NRC.gov](https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/governing-laws/advance-act). ### New Hampshire Relevance The ADVANCE Act has significant potential relevance for [[New Hampshire]], a state with existing nuclear infrastructure and a growing interest in clean energy solutions. New Hampshire is home to [[Seabrook Station]], one of the last large-scale nuclear power plants built in the U.S., which provides a substantial portion of the state’s electricity. The Act’s support for advanced reactors, particularly SMRs, aligns well with potential upgrades or expansions near existing infrastructure like Seabrook, as well as integration into the ISO New England (ISO-NE) grid for regional power stability. The technology readiness supported by the ADVANCE Act matches New Hampshire’s potential deployment timeline, as SMRs and microreactors could be deployable within the next decade, fitting with state energy planning. Legislative initiatives in New Hampshire, such as HB 710 (which explores nuclear energy options), indicate a policy environment receptive to the Act’s goals. Applications could include grid power to replace aging fossil fuel plants, powering data centers in the Northeast, or providing industrial heat for manufacturing. While no direct NH connections are documented in recent data, the Act’s focus on U.S.-wide nuclear leadership suggests strong potential for Northeast deployment, including interest from regional utilities and policymakers. ### Competitive Position The ADVANCE Act operates in a unique space as a legislative framework rather than a direct competitor to companies. However, it can be compared to other national and international nuclear energy initiatives: - **Canada’s Nuclear Energy Strategy**: Canada has accelerated SMR development with government backing and streamlined regulations. The ADVANCE Act gives the U.S. a competitive edge by similarly reducing barriers but faces risks from slower industry adoption. - **European Union’s Nuclear Policies**: The EU emphasizes safety over speed, potentially lagging in deployment compared to the U.S. under the ADVANCE Act. The U.S. advantage lies in bipartisan support and regulatory reform, though global supply chain issues pose risks. - **China’s Nuclear Expansion**: China’s rapid reactor buildout outpaces U.S. efforts, but the ADVANCE Act’s focus on advanced technology and safety could position the U.S. as a quality leader. Risks include geopolitical competition for nuclear export markets. The ADVANCE Act’s unique advantage is its bipartisan support and focus on modernizing regulation, though its success depends on industry execution and sustained funding. ### Closing Note The ADVANCE Act of 2024 represents a pivotal step in revitalizing U.S. nuclear energy, with a clear trajectory toward accelerating advanced reactor deployment and a promising outlook for clean energy leadership. *Report generated December 24, 2025*