Noting that nuclear energy was “by far” the largest source of carbon-free energy in the United States, Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz on Tuesday announced $82 million in federal funding for nuclear energy research.
The DOE said the funding would be available for “nuclear energy research, facility access, crosscutting technology development and infrastructure awards.” The funding would be available in 28 states, funding a total of 93 projects “selected to receive funding that will help push innovative nuclear technologies toward commercialization and into the market,” the department said.
The funding is to be sourced through the Nuclear Energy University Program, Nuclear Sciences User Facilities and Nuclear Energy Enabling Technology programs. In addition to financial support, many of the recipients will receive technical and regulatory assistance through the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear initiative, which is known as GAIN.
“These awards will help scientists and engineers as they continue to innovate with advanced nuclear technologies,” Moniz said.
One particular concern is research into management of nuclear waste, which will be the focus of $21 million of the funding. The DOE needs to “make progress in terms of managing spent fuel,” Moniz said. The $21 million is earmarked for projects involving the Office of Nuclear Energy and the Office of Environmental Management.
Thirty-six million dollars will be awarded through the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) in support of 49 university-led nuclear energy research and development projects in 24 states. In addition, 15 universities will receive nearly $6 million to research reactor and infrastructure improvements focused on safety-performance and student education-related upgrades to a portion of the nation's 25 research reactors.