Department of Energy awards $10.6M for nuclear energy projects

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has divided $10.6 million between three projects, as awards for those looking to advance domestic nuclear technology projects.

Utilities Service Alliance, Inc. will receive $9,183,255 given for the research, development, and deployment of automated, remote monitoring technology for the U.S. nuclear fleet. The STP Nuclear Operating Company will also receive $942,477 for efforts to develop and implement advanced Fire Probabilistic risk assessment modeling techniques that would help create more realistic models for the industry. SC Solutions will receive $470,483 to create a nonlinear soil-structure interaction analysis software verification and validation guidance document that would help reactor designers to facilitate cost reductions when dealing with licensing and construction.

“There are a lot of U.S. companies working on technologies to make the next generation of nuclear reactors safer and highly competitive, and private-public partnerships will be key to accomplishing this goal,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said. “The Trump Administration is committed to reviving and revitalizing the U.S. nuclear industry, and these partnerships are needed to help successfully develop innovative domestic nuclear technologies.”

The projects were chosen through two different funding pathways. Utilities Service Alliance and STP Nuclear Operating Company received their funding through the Advanced Reactor Development Projects pathway, which gives funds for concepts and ideas that could improve the capabilities and commercialization potential of advanced reactor designs and technology. SC Solutions gained its funds through the Regulatory Assistance Grants pathway, which funds the resolution of design regulatory issues, reviews, and other efforts that help obtain certification and licensing for reactor designs and capabilities. In all three cases, additional funds were received through non-DOE sources.

This funding marks the fifth round of awards given out for advanced nuclear technology development by the DOE through the Office of Nuclear Energy. In all, they have spent around $128 million to advance such technology, and intend to continue quarterly selections for the next four years.