In a major milestone for nuclear energy research and development in the United States, the 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. This brings DOE’s total investment in advancing nuclear energy research at U.S. colleges and universities to over $1 billion since 2009, involving nearly a decade of support for groundbreaking research in nuclear technology.
DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy has been instrumental in supporting cutting-edge research in advanced reactor concepts, accident-tolerant fuels, and structural materials for nuclear reactors. These awards are crucial 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, emphasized the importance of this investment in developing a skilled workforce that can help triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050 and support the President’s climate goals. The recent round of awards supported a total of 50 projects related to nuclear energy research and development, addressing key challenges and advancing innovation in the industry.
With this latest round of funding, DOE is taking significant steps towards realizing a clean energy future that aligns with its mission to promote science, innovation, and economic growth.