The Texas Legislature has passed House Bill 14, a landmark bill catalyzing Texas’ developing nuclear industry and ushering in a new era of energy leadership.
The bill establishes the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office (ANEO) alongside a $350 million investment in next-generation nuclear deployment and development. Gov. Greg Abbott, who has voiced his vocal approval of the bill, is expected to sign HB 14 into law.
Texas has been working toward establishing itself as a global leader in advanced nuclear power for years, unveiling a plan to reach the pinnacle of nuclear energy production in November 2024. The plan outlines how Texas will use nuclear energy to enhance electric reliability and security, promote economic development and create new workforce opportunities.
The $350 million allocated to the office, while a significant commitment to energy dominance, does not equate to the approximately $2 billion investment needed to situate Texas as an industry leader.
The ANEO will oversee Texas’ nuclear energy efforts, providing management and guidance to best fulfill and exceed the state’s goals and objectives. Responsibilities of the office will include:
- Provide leadership for the state’s advanced nuclear reactor system.
- Work with stakeholders and political leaders to create a statewide strategic advanced nuclear energy public outreach program.
- Develop reactors for dispatchable electric generation while creating high-wage advanced manufacturing jobs.
- Help transition to a balanced energy future through innovative nuclear energy generation technologies and clean energy solutions.
- Support state energy security, economic growth and the safety of future nuclear energy generation development.
- Identify obstacles to the financial viability of nuclear energy generation.
- Identify regulatory and licensing complexities that increase risk to nuclear energy developers.
- Leverage industry experts across multiple sectors to create a strategic plan to endorse the development of advanced nuclear energy and associated technologies.
- Support the development of an advanced nuclear energy supply chain and associated technologies.
The ANEO will achieve these goals by enabling nuclear development through grants, gifts and loans. The office will also create ad hoc advisory committees as needed to pursue and fulfill these objectives. The $350 million fund will be used to reimburse eligible businesses, nonprofits and government entities through the programs established through the office.
HB 14 comes at a critical time in Texas’ energy environment as the state projects an exponential increase in system power over the next five years. As the population continues to boom, electrical demand is expected to reach 152 gigawatts by 2030, outpacing what the current grid is capable of handling.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is currently working on plans to address system strain, integrate new power sources and increase system resilience. To support these efforts, the Legislature created the Texas Energy Fund in 2024, setting aside $7.2 billion to develop dispatchable energy supplies.
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