The White House wants to speed up approval for microreactors, as some scientists warn of unresolved safety and waste disposal issues.

DOE will work with industry on these 11 projects, with the goal to construct, operate, and achieve criticality of "at least three" test reactors using the DOE authorization process by July 4, 2026.

The department's move comes after President Donald Trump issued executive orders in May seeking to speed permitting of nuclear reactors and reform the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an independent agency. The orders allow the Energy Department to authorize the test reactors, without the NRC.