Secretary Chu Announces Funding for 71 University-Led Nuclear Research and Development Projects

The DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy announced that is awarding more than $40 million to U.S. colleges to conduct nuclear energy research through its Nuclear Energy University Programs (NEUP). Idaho’s three public research institutions — Boise State University, Idaho State University and University of Idaho — will receive more than $6 million for various research proposals. I’ve attached DOE’s news release to this e-mail.

NEUP is a DOE program that is actually run by Idaho National Laboratory personnel housed at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies in Idaho Falls. For more information about NEUP, please contact Program Manager Marsha Lambregts at (208) 526-1336 or Outreach Coordinator Kortny Rolston at (208) 526-0962.

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U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the selection of 71 university research project awards as part of the Department of Energy’s investments in cutting-edge nuclear energy research and development (R&D). Under the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP), these 71 projects will receive approximately $44 million over three years to advance new nuclear technologies in support of the nation’s energy goals. By helping to develop the next generation of advanced nuclear technologies, the Nuclear Energy University Program will play a key role in addressing the global climate crisis and moving the nation toward greater use of nuclear energy.

“As a zero-carbon energy source, nuclear power must be part of our energy mix as we work toward energy independence and meeting the challenge of global warming,” said Secretary Chu. “The next generation of nuclear power plants – with the highest standards of safety, efficiency and environmental protection – will require the latest advancements in nuclear science and technology. These research and development university awards will ensure that the United States continues to lead the world in the nuclear field for years to come.”

Selected R&D projects include 31 U.S. universities that will act as lead research institutions for projects in more than 20 states. Other universities, industries, and national laboratories will serve as collaborators and research partners. Under the Nuclear Energy University Program, DOE will support projects in the following nuclear energy research fields: the Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI), the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP) also known as Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems, Investigator-Initiated Research (IIR), and Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS).

In keeping with the Obama Administration’s commitment to training the next generation of American scientists, Secretary Chu also announced that DOE is accepting applications for individual nuclear science and engineering scholarships and fellowships under the Nuclear Energy University Program. As part of the Department’s efforts to recruit and train the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers, DOE is offering approximately $2.9 million in university fellowships and scholarships to support students entering the nuclear science and engineering fields. Further details on the Request for Applications are available at: http://www.caesenergy.org.

Contracts for the R&D projects are expected to be awarded by September 30, 2009 by the Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), a Management and Operating contractor for DOE at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL).

More information about the 71 research and development awards is available HERE. http://www.energy.gov/media/Final_FY_2009_NEUP_RD_Awards.pdf