On Tuesday the Department of Energy announced the distribution of $47 million for a range of scholarships and research programs related to nuclear power.
This year’s Nuclear Energy University Programs and Integrated University Program encompass 143 awards at 46 colleges and universities.
“We must invest in the next generation of American scientists and engineers in order to fulfill our commitment to restarting America’s nuclear industry and making sure that America stays competitive in the 21st century,” Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a release.
The awards includes $36.2 million for 47 projects in the areas of fuel cycle research (awarded $19.9 million), reactor concepts and demonstration ($10.8 million), advanced modeling and simulation ($2.5 million) and transformative research ($3 million). Additionally, DOE awarded $5 million for 70 undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships, as well as $6 million for research reactor improvements.
Looking ahead, the budget proposed by the administration of President Barack Obama would trim the university funding for next year. Should legislators in Congress adopt the administration’s proposals for the 2013 DOE budget, the agency would drop the Integrated University Program, which paid for the scholarships.
In congressional testimony March 30, Nuclear Energy Institute CEO Marvin Fertel urged House appropriators to continue the program: “Given that more than half of America’s green jobs in the electric sector are at nuclear energy facilities, it is vital that Congress provide financial support for students and junior faculty.”