Nuclear Dominace

Michigan Nuclear Dominance Program (MNDP)

The Michigan First Movement operates the Michigan Nuclear Dominance Program (MNDP), a comprehensive statewide initiative to make Michigan a national leader in both fission (traditional and advanced nuclear reactors) and fusion energy technologies.

MNDP leverages existing federal and state grant funding, including U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) programs, Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, Fusion Energy Sciences, Inflation Reduction Act nuclear incentives, and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) energy initiatives, to attract investment, build infrastructure, train talent, and accelerate deployment.

Program Goals

• Achieve nuclear energy dominance in Michigan through a mix of proven fission technology and cutting-edge fusion development.

• Dramatically lower energy costs for families, businesses, and manufacturers.

• Create thousands of high-wage jobs in construction, engineering, operations, and supply chain.

• Strengthen national energy security and grid resilience.

• Position Michigan as a global exporter of nuclear technology, components, and expertise.

Eligible Project Categories 

MNDP is structured to qualify for a wide range of existing grants:

1. Fission (Traditional and Advanced Reactors)

• Deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs), microreactors, and next-generation large reactors on brownfield sites, former coal plants, and industrial locations.

• Refurbishment and life extension of existing nuclear assets where applicable.

• Fuel cycle and waste management innovations.

2. Fusion Energy Development

• Support for fusion research, pilot plants, and commercialization efforts (private-public partnerships).

• Infrastructure for high-temperature superconducting magnets, plasma systems, and tritium handling.

• Applied research bridging fusion with Michigan’s manufacturing and materials strengths.

3. Workforce Development and Talent Pipeline

• Comprehensive training programs for nuclear engineers, technicians, operators, and safety specialists.

• Partnerships with universities, community colleges, and trade schools to build a skilled nuclear workforce, with priority for Michigan residents and veterans.

4. Supply Chain and Manufacturing

• Development of Michigan-based suppliers for nuclear components, fuel, and specialized equipment.

• Incentives for companies to locate or expand nuclear manufacturing facilities in the state.

5. Grid Resilience and Energy Integration

• Integration of nuclear power with Michigan’s broader Energy Dominance strategy (natural gas, renewables where economic).

• Microgrid and resilient power projects anchored by nuclear sources.

Program Features Designed for Grant Success

• High Flexibility: Projects can be tailored to specific federal or state grant priorities (advanced reactors, fusion energy sciences, workforce training, national security, clean energy deployment).

• Technical Assistance Hub: Free or low-cost support for utilities, companies, universities, and communities on grant applications, regulatory navigation, and project development.

• Equity and Local Focus: Strong emphasis on job opportunities for working Michigan families, veterans, and rural communities near project sites.

• Transparency and Outcomes: Rigorous tracking of energy produced, jobs created, private investment leveraged, and carbon-free power contributions. Full public reporting to meet grantor requirements.

• Leveraging Strategy: Expert guidance on stacking DOE, IRA, MEDC, and other funds for maximum scale.

Alignment with Existing Grants

MNDP is built to successfully compete for:

• U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program and Fusion Energy Sciences.

• Inflation Reduction Act nuclear production and deployment tax credits.

• Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act energy infrastructure grants.

• Michigan-specific energy and economic development funding.

Expected Outcomes

• Multiple new nuclear (fission and fusion-related) facilities operating or under construction in Michigan.

• Thousands of high-wage, stable jobs in nuclear engineering, construction, and operations.

• Dramatically lower and more reliable electricity costs supporting manufacturing dominance and family prosperity.

• Michigan positioned as a national leader in both proven and next-generation nuclear technologies.

• Strengthened U.S. energy independence and national security.

The Michigan Nuclear Dominance Program represents a bold, responsible use of existing public resources to secure affordable, reliable, carbon-free baseload power while building long-term economic and technological strength for Michigan.

Utilities, technology developers, universities, workforce organizations, and communities are invited to partner with the Michigan First Movement to access technical assistance and pursue grant funding through MNDP.

Michigan Powers the Future. 

Clean, Reliable, Dominant.
Nuclear Dominance. Michigan First.