The Biden administration has launched a $6bn effort to rescue nuclear power plants at risk of closing, citing the need to continue nuclear energy as a carbon-free source of power that helps to combat climate change.

A certification and bidding process has begun for a civil nuclear credit programme that is intended to bail out financially distressed owners or operators of nuclear power reactors, the US Department of Energy said. It is the largest federal investment in saving financially distressed nuclear reactors.

Owners or operators of nuclear power reactors that are expected to shut down for economic reasons can apply for funding to avoid closing prematurely. The first round of awards will prioritise reactors that have already announced plans to close.