; (2) $56,500,000 shall be for construction of the Grid Storage Launchpad; (3) $500,000,000 shall be for energy storage demonstration projects across a portfolio of technologies and approaches; and (4) not less than $770,500,000 shall be for grants to manufacturers in the United States for the manufacturing of advanced batteries and components: Provided, That the Secretary shall ensure regional diversity among eligible entities that receive the funds for grants, technical assistance, and demonstrations provided under this heading in this title: Provided further, That funds provided for these activities shall not be subject to cost share requirements for state, local, and other government recipients: Provided further, That notwithstanding section 3304 of title 5, United States Code, and without regard to the provisions of sections 3309 through 3318 of such title 5, the Secretary of Energy, upon a determination that there is a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need for particular positions to carry out the activities funded under this heading in this title, may from within the funds provided under this heading in this title, recruit and directly appoint highly qualified individuals into the competitive service: Provided further, That such authority shall not apply to positions in the Excepted Service or the Senior Executive Service: Provided further, That any action authorized herein shall be consistent with the merit principles of section 2301 of such title 5, and the Department shall comply with the public notice requirements of section 3327 of such title 5: Provided further, That such amount is designated by the Congress as being for an emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Nuclear Energy For an additional amount for Nuclear Energy , $1,250,000,000, to remain available until expended, of which— (1) $700,000,000 shall be for the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program