Attempting to jump-start technology that could provide abundant, zero-carbon energy, the Department of Energy just announced $82 million in funding for advanced nuclear reactor research and development. A total of 93 projects will receive funding “that will help push innovative nuclear technologies toward commercialization and into the market,” the department said in a statement.
It’s not a ton of money, considering that developing new reactor technology will cost billions. But it’s the most tangible sign yet of U.S. support for advanced nuclear technology being developed on American soil. About $7 million in funding and technical assistance will come under the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear initiative, which is designed to streamline the process for private companies to win approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for new reactors. The lengthy and expensive NRC licensing process has caused several new nuclear startups to look overseas to license and build their reactors. The companies receiving GAIN awards include GE Hitachi, Westinghouse, Terrestrial Energy USA, and Transatomic Power Corporation. Terrestrial Energy has also received a grant from the Canadian government to build a prototype of its integral molten salt reactor.
Nearly half the money will go to universities to fund basic research on the challenges around developing new nuclear technology, including materials science, nuclear waste disposal, advanced manufacturing techniques, and fuel fabrication.
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