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DOE awards $3.8M in funding for nuclear research infrastructure

GNEP is an evolving U.S. global nuclear strategy aimed at reducing global dependence on fossil fuels; providing reliable, abundant energy necessary for economic growth, prosperity and health; utilizing international expertise to advance technologies and safeguards; and reducing the risk of nuclear proliferation.

On Aug. 22, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) strengthened its commitment to advancing nuclear power by awarding $100,000 to 38 universities to enhance nuclear research and development (R&D) under President Bush’s Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP). The one-time GNEP University Readiness awards total $3.8 million in funding and will include upgrading laboratories; improving reactor facilities; purchasing state-of-the-art equipment; providing increased faculty support and further enhancing nuclear-related curricula. GNEP is part of a President Bush’s Advanced Energy Initiative and aims to close the nuclear fuel cycle by reducing proliferation risks, reducing waste and further increasing energy security around the world.

“Increasing research expertise and bolstering infrastructure at America’s universities will position our scientists and engineers to support the expansion of clean and economical nuclear power in the United States as well as to encourage the development of advanced fuel cycle technologies,” Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Dennis Spurgeon said. “Supporting our educational institutions is essential to ensure that the United States continues to lead the world in development of safe and secure nuclear technology.”

The GNEP University Readiness awards will directly enable a university to compete in future GNEP R&D solicitations and contribute to a new generation of engineers and scientists necessary for expanding nuclear power - a safe, reliable source of emissions-free energy. These GNEP University Readiness awards follow the Department’s funding opportunity announcement in March and DOE’s thorough review of all applications since the June deadline.

This funding is part of $15.2 million that DOE has awarded to universities that provide nuclear energy programs in fiscal year 2007. These awards also support President Bush’s American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) announced in 2006, which commits to doubling the federal commitment to research programs in the physical sciences over the next 10 years. ACI aims to increase investments in the next generation of scientists, engineers and educators to keep America at the forefront of science and innovation.

The universities receiving awards include:

• Clemson University
• Colorado School of Mines
• Cornell University
• Georgia Tech
• Idaho State University
• Kansas State University
• Livingstone College
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• North Carolina State University
• Ohio State University
• Oregon State University
• Pennsylvania State University
• Prairie View A&M University
• Purdue University
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center
• South Carolina State University
• Texas A&M University-Kingsville
• Texas Engineering Experiment Station
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Florida
• University of Idaho
• University of Illinois
• University of Maryland
• University of Massachusetts Lowell
• University of Michigan
• University of Missouri, Columbia
• University of Missouri, Rolla
• University of Nevada Las Vegas
• University of New Mexico
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of South Carolina
• University of Tennessee
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Utah
• University of Wisconsin
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Find additonal information at Global Nuclear Energy Partnership.