Energy (Oil & Gas)

HB 2598 establishes the Missouri Advanced Nuclear Energy Office and a dedicated fund to provide grants for eligible nuclear energy projects in the state. The bill creates a new office within the Department of Natural Resources to administer grants covering pre-construction costs like site planning, engineering, and licensing fees for projects combining advanced nuclear reactors (including small modular reactors) with natural gas facilities. Grants are capped at $100 million per project, require that natural gas electricity sales fund nuclear project costs until commissioning, and prohibit use for projects recovering costs through utility rates. The office must ensure transparent grant allocation, track project performance, and maintain confidentiality of applicant information.