DOE Seeks States to Host Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses

DOE Funding Announcements

Published January 28th, 2026

Detected March 5th, 2026

Summary

The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking states interested in hosting new Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses. This initiative aims to modernize the nation's nuclear fuel cycle and support advanced nuclear energy development. States are invited to express interest and provide feedback on the campus structure.

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What changed

The Department of Energy (DOE) has initiated a new effort to modernize the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle by seeking expressions of interest from states to host Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses. This Request for Information (RFI) outlines a potential framework for voluntary Federal-State partnerships designed to advance regional economic growth, enhance national energy security, and bolster America's leadership in advanced nuclear energy. The proposed campuses could encompass activities such as fuel fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing, and waste disposition, potentially including advanced reactor deployment and co-located data centers.

States interested in hosting these campuses are encouraged to submit statements of interest and feedback on the proposed structure by April 1, 2026. Submissions should detail state priorities like workforce development, infrastructure investment, and economic diversification, as well as outline envisioned activities and required funding structures, risk-sharing approaches, incentives, and federal partnerships. This RFI represents the initial step in establishing these campuses, with further details to be determined based on state responses.

What to do next

Review RFI for potential state participation in Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses
Prepare and submit statement of interest and feedback by April 1, 2026, if applicable

Source document (simplified)

Department of Energy Seeks Hosts for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses

The U.S. Department of Energy today issued a Request for Information inviting states to express interest in hosting Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, a new effort to modernize the nation’s full nuclear fuel cycle and strengthen America’s leadership in advanced nuclear energy.

Energy.gov

January 28, 2026

New Effort to Modernize America’s Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Support Advanced Reactor Deployment

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today issued a Request for Information (RFI) inviting states to express interest in hosting Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, a new effort to modernize the nation’s full nuclear fuel cycle and strengthen America’s leadership in advanced nuclear energy.

This action marks the first step towards potentially establishing voluntary Federal-State partnerships designed to advance regional economic growth, enhance national energy security, and build a coherent, end-to-end nuclear energy strategy for the country.

“Unleashing the next American nuclear renaissance will drive innovation, fuel economic growth, and create good-paying American jobs while delivering the affordable, reliable and secure energy America needs to power its future,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses give us the opportunity to work directly with states on regional priorities that support President Trump’s vision to revitalize America’s nuclear base.”

The proposed campuses could support activities across the full nuclear fuel lifecycle, including fuel fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing used nuclear fuel, and disposition of waste. Depending on state priorities and regional capabilities, the sites could also host advanced reactor deployment, power generation, advanced manufacturing, and co located data centers.

DOE is inviting states to provide clear statements of interest and constructive feedback on the structure of the Innovation Campuses. Submissions should outline state priorities—such as workforce development, infrastructure investment, economic diversification, or technology leadership— and describe the scope of activities the state envisions hosting. States are also encouraged to identify the funding structures, risk sharing approaches, incentives and federal partnerships required to successfully establish and sustain a full-cycle Innovation Campus.

Responses to the RFI are requested no later than April 1, 2026. Interested parties can learn more and respond at SAM.gov.

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Tags:
- Nuclear
- Funding Opportunities