Small Modular Reactor Demonstration Act of 2024

HR 9710, the Small Modular Reactor Demonstration Act of 2024, creates a federal program to accelerate the development and deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) and micro-reactors (under 50 MW) in the U.S. The program, funded with $100 million annually from 2025-2027, supports demonstration projects through competitive awards for grid-scale SMR technology, requiring at least 50% non-federal cost share. It prioritizes projects using existing energy infrastructure, diverse designs (including cost, waste output, and site compatibility), and collaboration with utilities, national labs, and institutions of higher education for workforce training. The bill directly affects nuclear developers, electric utilities, and research institutions by reducing regulatory barriers and aiming for commercial deployment by 2034.