The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has officially launched President Trump’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program, selecting 11 advanced reactor projects to move closer to deployment. The initiative aims to have at least three test reactors built, operational, and achieving criticality by July 4, 2026, using DOE’s streamlined authorization process.

Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly noted,

“President Trump’s Reactor Pilot Program is a call to action. These companies aim to all safely achieve criticality by Independence Day, and DOE will do everything we can to support their efforts.”  

DOE Overhaul Strengthens U.S. Nuclear Leadership

The program reflects President Trump’s goal to restore U.S. leadership in nuclear power, ensuring a reliable, affordable, and diversified energy mix. It follows Executive Order 14301, signed in June 2025, which reformed DOE’s reactor testing procedures and opened the door for projects outside national laboratory sites to receive DOE authorization under the Atomic Energy Act.

The selected companies are:

• Aalo Atomics Inc.

• Antares Nuclear Inc.

• Atomic Alchemy Inc.

• Deep Fission Inc.

• Last Energy Inc.

• Oklo Inc.

• Natura Resources LLC

• Radiant Industries Inc.

• Terrestrial Energy Inc.

• Valar Atomics Inc.

Securing DOE authorization is expected to help these developers attract private investment and speed up their path toward commercial licensing.

Significantly, earlier in August, the DOE conditionally selected Oak Ridge, Tennessee-based Standard Nuclear as the first company to join its newly launched nuclear fuel line pilot program.

• READ MORE: America’s Nuclear Comeback Begins: Standard Nuclear Joins DOE’s Fuel Pilot Program 

Background and Program Scope

On May 23, 2025, President Trump issued four executive orders directing DOE to spearhead a U.S. nuclear revival. EO 14301, in particular, streamlined national lab testing rules and called for this pilot program to accelerate advanced reactor demonstrations.

The Reactor Pilot Program provides a direct DOE pathway for rapid testing and deployment. The goal is to achieve criticality for at least three new reactor designs, built outside of national laboratories, by mid-2026.

DOE began accepting applications on June 18, 2025, with the first-round closing July 21. Additional applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. According to the World Nuclear Association, the submissions showcase an exceptional range of innovation among U.S. reactor developers.

Each participating company will cover the costs of design, manufacturing, construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning of its test reactor. DOE will work closely with them to ensure safe, efficient progress toward commercialization.

U.S. Nuclear Power Snapshot

The United States is the world’s largest producer of nuclear power, accounting for approximately 30% of global nuclear electricity generation. Across the nation, 94 nuclear reactors power millions of homes and play a key role in supporting local economies.

The World Nuclear Association stated that in 2023, U.S. reactors produced 779 TWh, making up 19% of the nation’s total electricity output. In May 2025, the administration set a target to quadruple the country’s nuclear capacity to 400 GWe by 2050.

Also, according to the International Energy Agency, the U.S. government aims to add 35 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2035, including plants already under construction, with a long-term vision to deploy 200 GW by 2050—tripling today’s capacity.

SMR Drive Gains Momentum

In March, the DOE reissued a $900 million funding call to advance small modular reactor deployment. This aligns with President Trump’s push to boost American energy and AI leadership.

In another move, the U.S. Air Force chose California-based Oklo Inc. to build a microreactor at Eielson Base in Alaska, which showed growing military trust in the technology. The project was part of a broader move toward SMRs and microreactors, delivering reliable, carbon-free power where wind and solar fell short.

All in all, the DOE’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program complements this effort, providing over $3 billion in funding for SMRs and other cutting-edge designs.

• FURTHER READING: NuScale Secures NRC Approval for 77 MWe SMR Design, Advancing U.S. Nuclear Innovation

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a nearly $1 billion program to strengthen America’s supply of critical minerals and materials. The funding will support mining, processing, and manufacturing within the country. These materials power clean energy technologies and are vital for national security.

This funding builds on President Trump’s Executive Order to Unleash American Energy. It also supports the DOE’s wider Critical Minerals and Materials Program, which focuses on boosting U.S. production, expanding recycling, and strengthening supply chain security.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright remarked:

“For too long, the United States has relied on foreign actors to supply and process the critical materials that are essential to modern life and our national security. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the Energy Department will play a leading role in reshoring the processing of critical materials and expanding our domestic supply of these indispensable resources.”

From Mines to Magnets: Where the $1B Goes

The DOE’s $1 billion plan targets key minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements. These are essential for electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, solar panels, and advanced electronics used in defense systems.

The funding is split across several areas:

• $500 million to the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) for battery material processing, manufacturing, and recycling projects.
• $250 million to the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management to support facilities producing mineral byproducts from coal and other sources.
• $135 million to boost rare earth element production by extracting them from mining waste streams.
• $50 million to refine materials like gallium, germanium, and silicon carbide, which are crucial for semiconductors and high-performance electronics.
• $40 million through ARPA-E’s RECOVER program to extract minerals from industrial wastewater and other waste streams.

By investing from extraction to refining, the DOE aims to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, especially those in politically unstable regions. The plan also encourages public–private partnerships to scale production faster.

Why Critical Minerals Matter for America’s Future

Critical minerals lie at the heart of America’s economic transformation and defense strategy. In recent years, demand for lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements has grown. This rise comes as clean energy technologies become more important.

The U.S. imports more than 80% of its rare earth elements, and most of this comes from one country – China. This heavy reliance creates risks during trade or geopolitical tensions.

The Trump administration has placed strong emphasis on closing this vulnerability. In March 2025, an executive order highlighted critical minerals as vital for national defense. It also set timelines to boost U.S. production and processing capacity. This aligns with broader economic priorities, including clean energy jobs, green infrastructure, and domestic manufacturing.

• RELATED: Donald Trump Uses Emergency Powers to Boost U.S. Critical Mineral (and Coal?) Production

The Inflation Reduction Act and infrastructure programs have unlocked billions in grants and tax credits. These funds support electric vehicle manufacturing, battery plants, and renewable energy projects.

The DOE’s $1 billion critical mineral fund supports programs by focusing on materials essential for the clean energy economy. Also, by reusing existing industrial facilities to recover minerals instead of building entirely new ones, the DOE can speed up progress and reduce costs.

EV production is expected to grow faster than any other sector, with demand for minerals likely to be more than 10x higher by 2050. This surge will transform the global supply chain and is critical for the global Net Zero aspirations.

The combined impact of industrial strategy, financial incentives, and supply chain investments shows a clear push to:

• Move production back onshore,
• Boost innovation in materials recycling,
• Support the energy transition, and
• Cut down on foreign imports.

Building on Early Wins

The DOE’s new $1 billion investment boosts earlier funding for critical minerals. This aims to strengthen U.S. industrial capacity.

In 2023, the Department gave $150 million to various clean mineral projects. These include direct lithium extraction in Nevada and early-stage nickel processing partnerships in Oregon.

Since 2021, DOE has invested more than $58 million in research. This work focuses on recovering critical minerals from industrial waste or tailings. They are turning by-products into valuable feedstock.

• SEE MORE: DOE Supercharges the U.S. Battery and Critical Minerals Industry with $3 Billion Boost

These R&D projects created pilot facilities. They show how to recover lithium from geothermal brines and rare earths from coal ash. This approach models resource use without needing new mining.

Built on these early successes, the new $1 billion fund signals a shift from pilot programs to scaling proven technologies. It allows U.S. manufacturers to pivot from lab-scale experiments to full commercial operations. 

For example, lithium recovery projects are moving from test sites to large extraction facilities. This shift is supported by the technical help from DOE’s national labs.

Likewise, battery recycling pilots are set to grow. More recycling centers are being planned in the Midwest and Southwest.

This funding approach provides continuity. It supports U.S. firms from basic research to commercialization. This helps them quickly move from proof-of-concept to production-ready operations. It also reassures private investors that government backing is strategic and sustained.

McKinsey projects that developing new copper and nickel projects will require between $250 billion and $350 billion by 2030. By 2050, the broader critical minerals sector could grow into a trillion-dollar market to support the net-zero or low-carbon transition.

Washington’s Backing, Industry’s Buy-In

Political backing for the domestic minerals strategy is strong. A recent executive order aims to speed up mining permits and provide federal support.

The Defense Department has also invested $400 million in MP Materials, the largest stakeholder in the only U.S. rare earth mine. This deal includes a new plant to produce magnets for electronics and defense applications.

Industry players are moving in the same direction. Battery maker Clarios is exploring sites for a $1 billion processing and recovery plant in the country. These moves show a shared goal between government and industry to rebuild America’s mineral supply chains.

Opportunities—and the Roadblocks Ahead

The DOE’s program offers major opportunities:

• Less reliance on foreign countries for essential materials.
• Creation of high-quality U.S. jobs.
• Growth in recycling and recovery technologies.

However, challenges remain. Mining and processing must be done without harming the environment. Technology costs need to stay competitive. And benefits must be shared fairly with local and Indigenous communities.

Amid all this, the global race for critical minerals is intensifying. Many countries are already securing their own supplies. The U.S. wants to close its supply gap and become a leader in clean energy manufacturing.

The DOE’s nearly $1 billion plan is a key step toward reshoring America’s critical minerals industry. It builds on earlier successes and aligns with private investments and new policies. If successful, it could make U.S. supply chains more secure, support the clean energy transition, and strengthen national security.

• READ MORE: How AI and Clean Energy Are Competing for Critical Minerals?

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The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, approved up to $600 million in funding to support ENGIE Energía Perú’s push into non-conventional renewable energy. Of that, $250 million is from the IFC itself, and an additional $350 million comes from other mobilized investors.

The financing structure is a Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL), which links financial terms to performance goals. Let’s uncover where the funds will go and how this will help ENGIE’s net zero and climate goals.

Where Will the Money Go?

The goals of the fundraising are to expand renewable energy, support climate adaptation, and promote gender diversity initiatives. The first tranche of $120 million will immediately fund the acquisition and development of key renewable infrastructure.

The first installment will finance these three major projects:

• Expand the Intipampa Solar Plant: Increase capacity by 51.4 MW in Moquegua, boosting total solar output.
• Wind Farm Acquisitions: Acquire existing wind capacity of 36.8 MW at the Duna and Huambos sites.
• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS): Develop or refinance the 26.5 MW Chilca battery system—the largest in Peru—to improve grid flexibility.

These investments help ENGIE reach its goal of adding 800 MW of non-conventional renewables in five years. This will transform the country’s energy mix.

• RELATED: ENGIE Supercharges 2.4 GW Battery Storage in Texas & California with CBRE Partnership

ENGIE’s Power Play in Peru’s Energy Market

ENGIE Energía Perú (EEP) is a dominant force in Peru’s energy sector. By 2024, it was the biggest electricity generator in the country. It owned about 2,694 MW from ten plants. This made up 19% of Peru’s total installed capacity and around 14% of national production.

EEP’s renewable and conventional installations include:

• Punta Lomitas Wind Farm (296 MW), the largest in Peru.
• Expanded solar capacity with Intipampa.
• Hydro and gas-fired plants such as Chilca and Ilo.
• The Chilca BESS, launched in 2023 with an investment of approximately $20 million, demonstrates its adaptability and drive for stability.

Peru’s Renewable Wave: From Hydro to Solar Growth

Peru’s electricity mix is shifting. In 2024, renewables accounted for arond 59% of electricity, with breakdowns of hydroelectricity at almost 50%, wind at around 6%, solar at almost 2%, and biomass at 0.8%.

The country boasts significant untapped renewable potential:

• Hydropower: Installed capacity stands at 5.7 GW (2020), with untapped technical potential of ~70 GW.
• Renewables Market Growth: In 2022, Peru’s renewables sector generated 34,727 GWh, valued at around $900 million, with moderate annual growth in both output and value.

Looking ahead, an IFC study predicts that by 2050, wind and solar could make up 45% of installed capacity in the country. This growth will be backed by investments in grid storage, which will help improve system resilience.

Other big investments show regional growth. For instance, Spain’s Zelestra is investing $1–1.5 billion in Peru’s renewable energy. This will support mining operations with a pipeline of 1 GW capacity.

How The Loan Could Change Peru’s Grid

The $600 million SLL from IFC is more than capital; it’s a catalyst for renewable energy growth in Peru. The key benefits include:

Increased Clean Energy: The financing helps deliver over 100 MW of additional wind and solar capacity, plus the country’s largest BESS, enhancing energy diversification.

Climate Action: IFC estimates the Intipampa expansion alone will save 61,461 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year by displacing fossil-based electricity.

Grid Modernization: Energy storage fosters a more flexible, renewable-friendly grid and supports off-grid electrification in rural areas.

Market Confidence: The SLL’s structure signals investor belief in Peru’s green energy potential and supports broader regional ambitions.

ENGIE’s expansion is part of a broader wave of renewable growth in Latin America. In Peru, ENGIE’s projects contribute to the broader energy transition—and set an example for public-private collaboration in sustainable infrastructure. 

More notably, it forms part of the energy giant’s net zero goals.

ENGIE’s Global Renewable Energy and Net-Zero Strategy

The company’s global stance reflects increasing corporate commitment to clean energy infrastructure. The infographics below shows ENGIE’s decarbonization ambitions. 

Globally, ENGIE has positioned itself as a leader in the clean energy transition. It aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. The company focuses on quickly increasing renewable energy capacity. It aims to phase out coal and expand energy storage solutions. This will help integrate more variable renewables.

By 2025, ENGIE targets 50 gigawatts (GW) of renewable capacity worldwide, growing to 80 GW by 2030. This expansion focuses on wind, solar, hydro, and green hydrogen projects, supported by digital tools for efficiency and performance monitoring.

ENGIE has cut its direct emissions (Scope 1) by over 40% from 2017 to 2024. This change came mainly from retiring coal assets and switching to clean energy. Below is the company’s 2024 carbon footprint.

The company is investing in large energy storage, aiming for 10 GW of battery capacity by 2030. This will help keep the grid stable as more renewable energy comes online.

ENGIE’s climate roadmap includes Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validation, ensuring its emissions reduction pathway aligns with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal.

These global efforts reinforce ENGIE’s operations in Peru, showing how the company’s local renewable expansions contribute to a broader, coordinated push toward a carbon-neutral energy system worldwide.

Moreover, ENGIE supports strong carbon pricing policies and systems that encourage investment in low-emission technologies, energy efficiency, and reduced energy use.

As part of its path to net zero, the company plans to carry out internal carbon absorption projects and use carbon removal credits. These credits will follow the Integrity Council’s ten principles, with a focus on transparency, proving real additional impact, and ensuring that reductions last over time.

With IFC’s backing, ENGIE Energía Perú is poised to expand its renewable energy footprint significantly. The financing supports solar expansion, wind farm acquisition, and advanced energy storage. This boosts Peru’s clean energy pipeline, strengthening grid reliability, and contributing to national sustainability targets.

As Peru works toward a greener energy future, ENGIE’s investments may become a model for transformative growth across Latin America.

• READ MORE: Spain’s €700 Million Plan to Boost Energy Storage and Renewable Power

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France is weighing a bold proposal to use surplus nuclear energy in Bitcoin mining, turning unused power into millions in revenue. The five-year pilot is backed by the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party. It would use EDF (Électricité de France)’s excess electricity during low-demand hours, with heat reuse systems warming homes and greenhouses.

If approved, it could make France the first EU nation to weave crypto mining into its official energy strategy.

From Waste to Wealth: The Surplus Power Plan

France’s far-right party, RN, is backing a bold plan that could repurpose surplus nuclear electricity to power Bitcoin mining. MP Aurélien Lopez-Liguori introduced an initiative for a five-year pilot program. It aims to use excess energy from EDF-run nuclear plants for crypto mining.

The pilot allows Bitcoin mining to run only when nuclear energy is more than needed, like at night. This way, it uses power that would otherwise be wasted. Developers say one gigawatt of extra nuclear power could make $100–150 million in BTC revenue each year.

• RELEVANT: Bitcoin Hits All-Time High, But Will Its Carbon Footprint Cloud the Rally?

The plan also includes heat reuse systems that will capture waste heat from mining rigs. The heat can then warm homes, greenhouses, or industrial facilities. This model is already in use across Scandinavia.

Why Nuclear? France’s Energy Context

France, the EU’s top nuclear energy producer, gets over 70% of its electricity from nuclear plants. This amounts to 338,000 GWh each year. However, during low-demand periods, power supply often surpasses consumption.

France occasionally sells extra power at negative prices. Sometimes, it even pays for nearby countries to take this power, leading to losses of hundreds of millions. Bitcoin mining offers a way to monetize this surplus and ease grid stress.

Mining rigs can quickly adjust their load, providing a flexible buffer that stabilizes grid operations. This strategy supports wider energy transition goals. It helps manage inflexible nuclear output more effectively.

Political 180: From Crypto Ban to Bitcoin Boost

This move marks a dramatic shift in RN’s stance on crypto. In 2016, Marine Le Pen condemned cryptocurrencies as elitist tools and pledged to ban them. By 2022, she softened her position to support regulation. In 2025, she supports Bitcoin mining as a smart economic tool. This shows a wider trend of political practicality.

However, not all RN lawmakers agree. Jean-Philippe Tanguy, the party’s finance chief, argues that Bitcoin undermines centralized monetary control.

Meanwhile, the left and green parties oppose the plan due to its environmental impact, pointing to Bitcoin’s intensive energy use. Approval will require navigating internal party splits and environmental scrutiny.

Potential Benefits and Concerns

Supporters of the proposal see several clear advantages. First, surplus nuclear power can generate revenue. Estimates show it could bring in $100–150 million each year for every 1 GW of excess output.

Second, bitcoin mining facilities can be a flexible load for the grid. They absorb extra electricity when demand is low. Then, they can power down fast when demand rises. This helps stabilize the system.

Third, the heat generated by mining rigs could be captured and reused to warm buildings or support greenhouse agriculture. This improves overall energy efficiency.

However, critics raise valid concerns:

• Environmental impact: Despite cleaner power, increased Bitcoin mining still uses heavy energy. The chart above shows that Bitcoin alone utilizes more power than most countries. 
• Regulatory challenges: The proposal needs strong legal and policy backing—June’s similar amendment failed on procedural grounds.
• Public perception: Tying climate-smart infrastructure to crypto may provoke resistance.

INTERESTING READ: The Energy Debate: How Bitcoin Mining, Blockchain, and Cryptocurrency Shape Our Carbon Future

Global Trends: Nuclear Meets Bitcoin Mining

This move in France aligns with growing interest worldwide in matching crypto mining with low-carbon energy. Here are some major facts to know:

• Clean Energy Uptake: More than 52% of global Bitcoin mining now runs on sustainable energy. Of this, about 11% comes from nuclear sources.
• Fuel Mix Shifts: Coal and gas once dominated Bitcoin’s electricity supply. But the share of nuclear has roughly doubled from 4% in 2021 to over 11%.
• Energy Use Scale: Bitcoin mining is energy-intensive—estimated at 176–180 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually, on par with national consumption by countries like Poland or Egypt.
• Hashrate Surge: The Bitcoin network’s computing power, or hashrate, continues to rise. As of May 2025, it exceeded 831 exahashes per second (EH/s), a 77% jump from its 2024 low.
• Adaptation to Costs: With mining profitability squeezed, miners seek cheap, stable energy like nuclear to stay competitive.

Analysts at ScottMadden argued that Bitcoin mining paired with nuclear energy offers a compelling value proposition—a clean energy use case that could diversify utility income. The business case has only grown stronger as Bitcoin prices rose from about $9,275 in 2020 to over $47,000 by 2021.

France isn’t alone in exploring this pairing. Studies suggest that Bitcoin mining might use extra power wisely. This could cut waste and help the grid stay flexible. For example, South Korean researchers found surplus electricity could be a new revenue stream for the power utility while stabilizing the grid.

Moreover, academic models propose a zero-emissions energy system. This system combines nuclear power with crypto-mining. In this setup, mining serves as a flexible load that helps balance demand. Also, many devices around the world already rely on constant nuclear power.

The Road Ahead: Regulation, Revenue, and Resistance

If the pilot moves forward, EDF and lawmakers would need to finalize guidelines, site mining hubs near existing infrastructure, and ensure regulatory oversight. A six-month feasibility review by the French Council of State is planned, followed by expansion if the pilot succeeds.

When that happens, France could become the first EU nation to legally integrate Bitcoin mining into its energy roadmap. It could turn an economic burden—unused power—into a revenue stream while mitigating grid stress. This would spark debate across Europe—might other nuclear-rich countries follow suit?

From a crypto standpoint, the move elevates mining from underground activity to a strategic industrial asset, redefining its role in the energy economy. 

However, the plan still faces political, environmental, and technical hurdles. Yet, as the proposal gains traction, it may shape how nations view the intersection of crypto, energy policymaking, and sustainability.

• READ MORE: Top 5 Sustainable Bitcoin Mining Companies To Watch Out For

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