As part of a programme to support nuclear power generation and the goal of zero-carbon electricity by 2035, the Biden administration on Thursday (2 March) offered funding of $1.2bn (€1.1bn) to nuclear power reactors that are at risk of retiring soon or that ceased operations since 15 November 2021

The US Department of Energy released application guidance for the second award cycle of the Civil Nuclear Credit Program, a $6bn funding part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to prevent the premature retirement of nuclear plants across the country.

In the first award cycle, nuclear power plants eligible for the funding were limited to owners or operators of nuclear power reactors that had announced intentions to retire within the four-year award period. The second round of funding makes funds available – for the first time – to reactors that ceased operations after 15 November 2021, the DOE said.

The announcement means Holtec International, the current owner of the Palisades nuclear power station in Michigan, has been able to apply for funding to restart the single-unit station.