The DOE announced the Energy Reactor Pilot Programme in June 2025 to expedite testing of advanced reactor designs at sites outside national laboratories using the DOE authorisation process. The programme supplements the DOE Fuel Line Pilot Programme which establishes a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain for testing new reactors. Selected companies receive a fast-tracked approach to commercial licensing bypassing traditional NRC timelines. Multiple SMR developers beyond the original 11 DOE pilot programme participants are eligible.