In a significant development, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced over $59 million in funding for 25 U.S. colleges and universities, two national laboratories, and one industry organization to support nuclear energy research and development. This funding will also provide access to world-class research facilities.
Since 2009, DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy has been at the forefront of groundbreaking research in nuclear technology, including advanced reactor concepts, accident-tolerant fuels, and structural materials for nuclear reactors. These awards are essential for training the next generation of nuclear energy leaders and furthering research that aligns with President Biden’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, Dr. Kathryn Huff, highlighted the significant milestone of surpassing $1 billion in funding for advancing nuclear energy research at U.S. colleges and universities. This investment is crucial for developing a skilled workforce that can help triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050 and support the President’s climate goals. These awards mark a significant step towards realizing a clean energy future.
The most recent round of awards supported a total of 50 projects in various areas related to nuclear energy research and development. These projects aim to address key challenges and advance innovation in the nuclear energy industry, bringing us one step closer to a sustainable future.