The report also notes that while «there have been impressive R&D efforts to develop a wide range of driver
technologies... very little effort has been spent on developing the
technology of the
reactor chambers or on
addressing materials problems peculiar to inertial fusion.»
The new FOA covers three funding pathways: First - of - a-Kind (FOAK) Nuclear Demonstration Readiness Project pathway, intended to
address major advanced
reactor design development projects or complex
technology advancements for existing plants which have significant technical and licensing risk, and have the potential to be deployed by the mid-to-late 2020s; Advanced
Reactor Development Projects pathway, covering a broad scope of concepts and ideas that could improve the capabilities and commercialisation potential of advanced
reactor designs and
technologies; and Regulatory Assistance Grants, providing support towards obtaining certification and licensing approvals for advanced
reactor designs and capabilities.