The assistance results from the passage last year of House Bill 14 that created both the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office and the $350 million Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund.
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Developers of advanced nuclear reactors can now apply for millions of dollars in state assistance under a program launched this month by Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office.
The assistance results from the passage last year of House Bill 14 that created both the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office and the $350 million Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund. In a prepared release, Gov. Abbott described the subsidy program as “the largest … investment in the country to support the development and commercialization of the advanced nuclear energy industry, the nuclear supply chain, and its associated manufacturing capacity in the state.”
Developers of advanced reactors of those that strengthen nuclear manufacturing capacity can apply for the “Project Development and Supply Chain Reimbursement Program” and the “Advanced Nuclear Construction Reimbursement Program,” according to information provided by the governor’s office. Applicants must submit a notice of intent to apply by April 23 and submit formal applications by May 14, the governor’s office reported.
Explosive Demand Growth from Data Centers
The announcement comes as Texas policymakers continue considering strategies to rapidly add generating capacity to the grid to meet explosive demand growth from data centers and other industrial loads. Just this week ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas noted that the grid operator is tracking 410 gigawatts of large load seeking interconnection, with nearly 90 percent of it coming from data centers. Although it’s unlikely that all that load will come to fruition, it’s still staggering amount. By comparison, peak load on the ERCOT grid in 2026 was about 85.5 gigawatts.
The creation of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office also represents the continuation of work in previous years associated with the “Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor Working Group” led by then commissioner Jimmy Glotfelty. The group examined methods to bring more nuclear power to the state and eventually released recommendations that the state fund advanced nuclear projects.
Businesses, nonprofit organizations and government entities that “have — or reasonably expect to have — a docketed construction permit or license application” with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission on or before Dec. 1, 2026, can apply to the construction grant program, according to the fund’s web site.
According to report on Utility Dive, an online energy news journal, the program will cover expenses associated with technology development, including university technology development; feasibility studies; site planning; NRC early site permit work; licensing fees; preparation of the NRC construction permit or license application; fuel processing, manufacturing, and fabrication activities; and other activities. Eligible applicants include businesses, nonprofits and governmental entities and higher education institutions.