The BIL authorizes and appropriates $6 billion for Fiscal Years 2022 through 2026 to establish the CNC Program to prevent closures of nuclear power plants by providing financial support for existing Nuclear Reactors projected to cease operations due to economic factors. Nuclear power currently provides 50 percent of the nation’s clean electricity, and the current fleet of reactors is a vital resource to achieve a 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy-wide by 2050. Shifting energy markets and other economic factors have already resulted in the closure of 13 commercial reactors across the United States since 2013. These closures have led to an increase in carbon emissions, poorer air quality, and the loss of thousands of high-paying jobs. The CNC Program is a critical element of meeting clean energy goals by helping to preserve the existing nuclear fleet and the clean energy it provides.

This Guidance describes the timelines, deliverables, and other requirements for Owners or Operators of Nuclear Reactors that due to economic factors (i) are projected to cease operations, or (ii) ceased operations to submit Certification Applications to be eligible to become Certified Nuclear Reactors, and instructions on formulating and submitting sealed Bids to be eligible to be allocated Credits. This Guidance will clarify the Certification criteria, application content requirements, evaluation process and methodologies, eligibility periods, and anticipated timeline of the CNC Program.

While the first award cycle limited eligibility to owners or operators of nuclear power reactors that had announced intentions to retire within the four-year award period, the second award cycle is open to owners or operators of nuclear reactors that are at risk of closure by the end of the four-year award period, including such reactors that ceased operations after November 15, 2021.