Sec. of Energy visits Idaho Falls, announces $82 million in nuclear funding
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IDAHO FALLS — The U.S Department of Energy announced a national investment of $82 million in nuclear energy research and technology development Tuesday.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz made the announcement in Idaho Falls during a news conference held at the Idaho National Laboratory.
“This is a big push forward as we continue to remain committed to a future of nuclear energy based on innovation,” Moniz said.
Much of the investment will go toward universities across the country. In total, 93 projects in 28 states were selected to receive funding to help push innovative nuclear technology toward commercialization and into the market, according to a news release.
About $5.5 million of the research money will go to funding projects at Gem State universities:
- Idaho State University will receive $80,805 to refit equipment in its AGN-1 Reactor. The requested safety instrumentation upgrades will significantly modernize reactor operations, improve reliability, and allow students to train using current technology, according to the DOE. ISU will also receive $500,000 for research to enhance steel to increase its tolerance to irradiation.
- Boise State University will receive $500,000 in research funding to study the effects of laser welding on irradiating materials. BSU will also receive $250,000 to procure an aerosol jet printer to establish additive manufacturing capability to fabricate functional materials and sensor devices for nuclear energy applications.
- The University of Idaho received an $800,000 and a $350,000 grant to fund research in fuel cycle research and development.
“The universities will be able to do nuclear research programs, and that’s very important,” Moniz said. “It’s great for the local economy, but it’s also great for the national programs of energy because these investments in nuclear infrastructure are quite critical.”
