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

The U.S. Department of Energy said on Tuesday it has made an initial selection of 11 projects for a pilot program seeking to develop high-tech test nuclear reactors and get at least three of them to begin operating in less than a year.