When should I choose DOE Section 1703?

Innovative generation, storage, or grid technology project finance for first-of-a-kind deployments Strong technical, commercial, and lender diligence readiness required Often suited to novel firm-power systems (advanced nuclear/SMR, long-duration storage) with scale-up risk Best when innovation risk—not just construction risk—is the core thesis for the power serving your data center load

When should I choose DOE Section 1706?

Energy infrastructure reinvestment and eligible repowering pathways Project and financing alignment for deployment at existing-facility scale Often suited to proven generation or grid technology applied to eligible asset categories being retooled to serve new load Best when deployment certainty and offtake structure with a data center customer are well established

DOE Section 1703 vs 1706: Data Center Power Readiness Comparison

Evaluate DOE 1703 and 1706 pathways for data center power projects based on project type, financing structure, and deployment readiness.

DOE Section 1703

Innovative generation, storage, or grid technology project finance for first-of-a-kind deployments
Strong technical, commercial, and lender diligence readiness required
Often suited to novel firm-power systems (advanced nuclear/SMR, long-duration storage) with scale-up risk
Best when innovation risk—not just construction risk—is the core thesis for the power serving your data center load

DOE Section 1706

Energy infrastructure reinvestment and eligible repowering pathways
Project and financing alignment for deployment at existing-facility scale
Often suited to proven generation or grid technology applied to eligible asset categories being retooled to serve new load
Best when deployment certainty and offtake structure with a data center customer are well established

Velawolf recommendation

Run a dual-section readiness assessment when your project blends novel technology with infrastructure-scale reinvestment. Velawolf maps section fit, diligence gaps, and sequencing before full application spend.