---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 13494"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "13494"
heading: "Prototype demonstration of advanced nuclear reactor technology"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/13494"
units:
  - "Chapter 134 — Energy Policy"
  - "Subchapter IX — Energy and Environment"
  - "Part C — Advanced Nuclear Reactors"
---

# §13494. Prototype demonstration of advanced nuclear reactor technology

- (a) **Solicitation of proposals—** Within 3 years after October 24, 1992, the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) shall solicit proposals for carrying out the preliminary engineering design of not more than 2 prototype [advanced nuclear reactor technologies](/usc/42/13491.md?p=b-1) developed by the Department of Energy, other than advanced light water reactor technologies, necessary to support a decision on whether to recommend [construction](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=7) of a prototype demonstration reactor with the characteristics described in [section 13493(a) of this title](/usc/42/13493.md?p=a). Proposals submitted under this subsection shall be for modular design concepts of sufficient size to address requirements related to the [certification](/usc/42/13491.md?p=b-4) of a [standardized design](/usc/42/13491.md?p=b-3).
- (b) **Recommendation to Congress—**
  - (1) Not later than September 30, 1998, the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) shall submit to Congress recommendations on whether to build one or more prototype demonstration reactors under this section. Such recommendations shall—
    - (A) specify a preferred technology or technologies;
    - (B) include detailed information on milestones for [construction](/usc/42/300s–3.md?p=7) and operation;
    - (C) include an estimate of the funding requirements; and
    - (D) specify the extent and type of non-Federal financial support anticipated.

    In developing the recommendations under this paragraph, the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) shall provide for public notice and an opportunity for comment, and shall solicit the views of the [Commission](/usc/42/13491.md?p=b-2) and other parties with technical expertise the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) considers useful in the development of such recommendations.

  - (2) The prototype demonstration program under this section shall be carried out to the maximum extent practicable with private sector funding. At least 50 percent of the funding for such program shall be non-Federal funding. The extent of non-Federal cost sharing proposed for any demonstration [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2) shall be a criterion for the selection of the [project](/usc/42/13641.md?p=2).
- (c) **Selection of technology—** Any technology selected by the [Secretary](/usc/42/242q–4.md?p=2) for recommendation for prototype demonstration under this section shall to the maximum extent possible exhibit the characteristics set forth in [section 13493(a) of this title](/usc/42/13493.md?p=a).

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 102–486, title XXI, § 2124, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3084.)