The Biden administration on Thursday announced $1.2 billion in aid to help extend the life of distressed or aging nuclear power plants , seeking to keep online the carbon-free source of electricity as it also looks to build out renewable energy sources.

The $1.2 billion was announced by the Department of Energy on Thursday. It is the second tranche of funding included in the $6 billion Civil Nuclear Credit Program created by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

"Preserving the domestic nuclear fleet is critical to reaching America’s clean energy future," said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

Unlike the first award cycle, which limited funds to owners or operators of nuclear power reactors that had announced plans to retire within the next four years, this cycle expands funding to owners or operators of reactors that ceased operations after Nov. 15, 2021.

The Biden administration has acknowledged nuclear power plants are key to helping deliver on its goal of reaching 100% zero-emissions status by the year 2035, despite opposition from many environmentalists.

The U.S. has just 92 operating nuclear reactors today, and 13 reactors have been forced to close their doors early in the last 10 years alone due to shifting energy markets and other economic factors.

Critically, the new funds could support the reopening of the Palisades Nuclear Generating Station, the Michigan-based plant operated by Holtec International that was shuttered permanently last May.

Its application for the first round of Department of Energy funding was rejected, despite support from then-Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who personally requested an extension of the life of the plant.

The Department of Energy did award $1.1 billion in conditional funding during that award cycle to Pacific Gas and Electric, the operators of the California-based Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.