|  | | Nuclear innovation in small modular reactors (SMRs) has the potential to address multiple energy policy priorities around the world, from decarbonising electricity and deep decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors, to ensuring security of energy supply, and promoting economic development and prosperity. A wide range of SMR concepts are under development around the world to help meet these energy policy priorities. They are at different levels of technology readiness, with several taking significant steps towards commercialisation.
REGISTER HERE READ FULL ARTICLE
| 3/13/2023 |
|  | | The Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) announced today that four companies will be provided a GAIN Nuclear Energy (NE) Voucher to accelerate the innovation and application of advanced nuclear technologies. NE vouchers provide advanced nuclear technology innovators with access to the extensive nuclear research capabilities and expertise available across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory complex. This is the first award for FY 2023.
The businesses selected to receive a GAIN nuclear energy voucher for Round 1 FY 2023 are: Dow, Midland, MI; Flibe Energy, Huntsville, AL; Oklo Inc., Santa Clara, CA; Radiant Industries Inc., El Segundo, CA READ ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT | 12/15/2022 |
|  | | WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced the establishment of a high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) consortium. The HALEU Consortium will help inform DOE activities to secure a domestic supply of HALEU—a crucial material needed to develop and deploy advanced reactors in the United States. Membership is free and open to any U.S. entity, association, and government organization involved in the nuclear fuel cycle. It also may include organizations whose facilities are in ally or partner nations designated by DOE. READ MORE
| 12/7/2022 |
|  | | Concrete plans to replace coal-fired plants with small modular reactors (SMRs) reveal a clear path to nth-of-a-kind deployment, say developers and researchers.
Read Entire Article
| 12/6/2022 |
|  | | Rachel Taow attended high school in Idaho Falls, joined the US Army as an intelligence analyst, received an Bachelors of International Studies degree from ISU, and is now seeking a Law degree. She has recently been recognized for advancing her field at the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear at Idaho National Lab. Hear her conversation with ISU Director of Alumni Relations Ryan Sargent in this edition of Bengal Tales
Listen to the Entire Interview
| 12/6/2022 |
|  | | 2023 Pitch Your GEN IV Research
· Are you a current PhD student or did you complete your PhD after January 1, 2021?
· Was your PhD research related to Generation IV Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems?
· Can you explain your research in four minutes?
If you answered YES to those questions, you may be interested in the 2023 Pitch Your GEN IV Research competition.
For research related to GEN IV Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems enter by submitting your one-page executive summary by January 15, 2023.
| 11/9/2022 |
| | | The Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) announced today that three nuclear companies will be provided a GAIN Nuclear Energy (NE) Voucher to accelerate the innovation and application of advanced nuclear technologies. NE vouchers provide advanced nuclear technology innovators with access to the extensive nuclear research capabilities and expertise available across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory complex. This is the fourth and final award for FY 2022.
The businesses selected to receive a GAIN nuclear energy voucher for Round 4 FY 2022 are: Curio Solutions, Washington, D.C.; Elementl Power LLC, Greer, South Carolina; and Tennessee Valley Authority, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
READ ENTIRE ARTICLE
| 10/10/2022 |
| | | Last year, Bill Gates was speaking at the Nuclear Energy Assembly's virtual conference about his company's plans to build an advanced reactor in Wyoming. Julian Colvin, a 22-year-old nuclear engineering student at North Carolina State University, was listening and posted a question in the chat: “I'm Julian. I go to NC State, and I wonder what a state like Kentucky could do to attract advanced nuclear projects?"
Colvin, a passionate advocate of nuclear energy, wasn't really expecting a response. “I was sort of half hoping Bill Gates, or some other business tycoon, would see my message and offer some great advice. In the end, I think the response I got was much better," he said.
That response came from another attendee, Christine King, director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN).
READ Entire Article
| 8/18/2022 |
|  | | - Dow and X-energy collaborate on intent to provide process heat and power at one of Dow's U.S. Gulf Coast facilities by ~2030
- Dow is first manufacturer to announce intention to develop small modular nuclear technology options
- Dow intends to take a minority equity stake in X-energy
READ ENTIRE ARTICLE
| 8/9/2022 |
| | | The Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) announced today that four nuclear companies will be provided a GAIN Nuclear Energy (NE) Voucher to accelerate the innovation and application of advanced nuclear technologies. NE vouchers provide advanced nuclear technology innovators with access to the extensive nuclear research capabilities and expertise available across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory complex. This is the third award for FY 2022.
The businesses selected to receive a GAIN nuclear energy voucher for Round 3 FY 2022 are: Orano Federal Services LLC, Charlotte, NC and TerraPower, LLC, Bellevue, WA
| 6/22/2022 |
|  | | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the construction of the Versatile Test Reactor (VTR). The proposed VTR will be a sodium-cooled fast-neutron-spectrum test reactor that will enhance and accelerate research, development, and demonstration of innovative nuclear technologies that will play a crucial role in helping the United States reach net-zero emissions by 2050. | 6/13/2022 |
| | | The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to develop partnerships between the Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) and various communities. With an emphasis on environmental justice, these partners will work with local energy communities, educational entities, and other constituencies to accomplish the shared mission of utilizing nuclear energy to advance energy, environmental, and economic initiatives.
This FOA will provide up to 11 awards totaling $1.6 million over three years. The funding will focus on:
- Energy Communities – Develop resources and educational materials for the community and local government officials.
- Energy Justice Organizations and Communities – Partner with organizations and communities at the frontlines of the energy transition who are impacted by and/or interested in nuclear energy and its fuel cycle.
- Workforce Development and Educational Outreach – Develop materials for educators to help students understand the basics of nuclear science and encourage careers in STEM fields.
- International Nuclear Education Development – Fund fellowships for international students to study nuclear engineering at American universities, national labs, and with industry partners.
NE Press Release FOA Document Apply on grants.gov
| 4/28/2022 |
| | | On April 20, 2022, the Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) issued Modification 002 to the Request for Information (RFI) #DE-SOL-0008246. DOE-NE is seeking input from the nuclear energy community, including technical and community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities as well as other Minority Serving Institutions, for its competitive Research and Development (R&D) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for universities. DOE-NE is seeking ideas, input, comments, feedback, and recommendations from interested parties for future competitive university-led research projects. This input may lead to a more robust R&D program that reflects communities' ideas and could identify new creative, innovative, and transformative outcomes. DOE-NE also seeks input regarding the structure of the solicitation itself, including any examples of other solicitations that have been successful in utilizing university research. The RFI is open continuously and the input for consideration in FY 2023 is due May 16, 2022. Read More
| 4/20/2022 |
| | | The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is now seeking applications and sealed bid submissions under the $6 billion Civil Nuclear Credit (CNC) Program to support the continued operation of U.S. nuclear reactors. This critical investment, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help avoid premature retirements of nuclear reactors across the country due to financial hardship, preserve thousands of good-paying clean energy jobs to sustain local economies, and protect our nation's largest source of clean, carbon-free electricity. The guidance published today directs owners or operators of nuclear power reactors that are expected to shut down due to economic circumstances on how to apply for funding to avoid premature closure. This includes instructions on formulating and submitting sealed bids for potential allocation of credits. As urged by many public commenters who responded to the Request for Information (RFI) earlier this year, the first CNC award cycle will prioritize reactors that have already announced their intention to cease operations. Future CNC award cycles, including the second cycle to be launched in the first quarter in FY2023, will not be limited to nuclear reactors that have publicly announced their intentions to retire. Applications for certification and sealed bids for credits for the first CNC award cycle must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on May 19th.
| 4/19/2022 |
|  | | | 3/23/2022 |
| | | The Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) announced today that four nuclear companies will be provided a GAIN Nuclear Energy (NE) Voucher to accelerate the innovation and application of advanced nuclear technologies. NE vouchers provide advanced nuclear technology innovators with access to the extensive nuclear research capabilities and expertise available across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory complex. This is the second award for FY 2022. The businesses selected to receive a GAIN nuclear energy voucher for Round 2 FY 2022 are: Elysium Industries USA, New York, NY, Kairos Power, Alameda, CA, Terrestrial Energy USA, Inc., Charlotte, NC, and Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. Seattle, WA READ ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT
| 3/22/2022 |
| | | DOE Seeks Public Input on Executing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Civil Nuclear Credit Program to Ensure Continued Operation of Clean, Reliable Nuclear Energy WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released a Notice of Intent (NOI) and Request for Information (RFI) on the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $6 billion Civil Nuclear Credit Program. The nuclear credit program supports the continued operation of U.S. nuclear reactors, the nation’s largest source of clean power. Both the NOI and RFI are critical first steps to help avoid premature retirements of nuclear reactors across the country, preserving thousands of good-paying clean energy jobs while avoiding carbon emissions. The nuclear credit program is DOE's most recently announced program to support the President’s clean energy goals and ensure that communities across the country continue to see the benefits of sustainable energy infrastructure.
READ ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT
| 2/11/2022 |
|  | | Small modular reactors supplying electricity in Montana could be part of the solution to the pending closure of the Colstrip coal-fuel power pland and give the facility ew life, a nuclear power advocate told a state legislative panel.
READ ENTIRE ARTICLE
| 1/24/2022 |
|  | | AGENCY:
Office of Nuclear Energy, Department of Energy.
ACTION:
Extension of comment period.
SUMMARY:
On December 14, 2021, the U.S Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) issued a RFI inviting input on the planning for establishment of a DOE HALEU Availability Program and to gather information to consider in preparing the required report to Congress describing actions proposed to be carried out by DOE under the program. The Energy Act of 2020 authorized the Department to establish and carry out, through the Office of Nuclear Energy, a program to support the availability of HALEU for civilian domestic research, development, demonstration, and commercial use. The RFI established a January 13, 2022, deadline for the submission of written comments. DOE is extending the comment period to February 14, 2022. DATES:
The comment period for the RFI published on December 14, 2021 (86 FR 71055) is extended. DOE will accept comments, data, and information responding to this RFI submitted on or before February 14, 2022. Read Entire Announcement
| 1/7/2022 |
| | | The Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) announced today that two nuclear companies will be provided a GAIN Nuclear Energy (NE) Voucher to accelerate the innovation and application of advanced nuclear technologies. NE vouchers provide advanced nuclear technology innovators with access to the extensive nuclear research capabilities and expertise available across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory complex. This is the first award for FY 2022.
The businesses selected to receive a GAIN nuclear energy voucher for Round 1 FY 2022 are: Framatome Inc., Lynchburg, VA and Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp., Seattle, WA.
READ ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT
| 12/16/2021 |
| | | Five projects selected to accelerate commercial deployment of advanced reactors and fuels. WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today awarded $8.5 million to help commercialize promising advanced nuclear technologies. The funding supports five industry-led projects across the country and leverages the latest modeling and simulation tools developed by DOE, in addition to siting analysis and other research activities that will inform the future deployment of advanced reactors on islands or for the potential use in maritime applications.
“Advanced reactors will completely change the way we engineer, build, and operate nuclear reactors,” said Dr. Kathryn Huff, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy. “These awards support technical and regulatory strides necessary for commercializing new carbon-free nuclear technologies poised to help our nation reach net-zero emissions by 2050.”
The awards are funded through the Office of Nuclear Energy’s U.S. Industry Opportunities for Advanced Nuclear Technology Development funding opportunity, which has invested more than $215 million in advanced nuclear technologies since 2017. The solicitations are broken down into three funding pathways to support first-of-a-kind nuclear demonstration readiness projects, advanced reactor development projects, and direct regulatory assistance.  READ ENTIRE NEWS RELEASE
INDUSTRY FOA AWARDEES | 11/18/2021 |
| | | The Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) announced today that one nuclear
company will be provided a GAIN Nuclear Energy (NE) Voucher to accelerate the innovation and
application of advanced nuclear technologies. NE vouchers provide advanced nuclear technology
innovators with access to the extensive nuclear research capabilities and expertise available across
the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory complex. This is the fourth and final
award for FY 2021.
The business selected to receive a GAIN nuclear energy voucher for Round 4 FY 2021 is: Kinectrics AES Inc., Naperville, IL
READ ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT
| 10/12/2021 |
| | | The latest information about advanced nuclear energy is now a mouse click away.
The Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) just unveiled Milestones in Advanced Nuclear, an interactive website that provides the latest news in the U.S. nuclear power industry. GAIN is industry's gateway into the national labs. Now GAIN is also the gateway into nuclear news.
“Advanced nuclear has been building momentum over the past five years and it is getting difficult to stay current with the latest developments from all facets of our industry," GAIN Director Christine King said. “The website offers a concise description of each item, and why this milestone is important and links to the most recent news for that item."
The milestones were developed with the help of more than 100 people across the U.S. representing the nuclear energy industry, utility executives, and lawmakers.
“This website is a great tool to see our progress as an industry," said Peter Hastings, vice president of Kairos Power, an advanced nuclear reactor developer. “It is extremely helpful to show not only our company's progress but also that of other advanced reactor developers as well as the industry as a whole. This website makes it easy to see the immense opportunity advanced nuclear represents for our clean energy future.".  READ ENTIRE ARTICLE
| 9/9/2021 |
|  | | WASHINGTON – The U.S.
Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA)
announced the rollout of U.S. Nuclear Nexus (http://www.anl.gov/nuclear-nexus),
a tool designed to foster timely connections between NNSA and the U.S. nuclear
industry on the global deployment of advanced nuclear technology on August 17.
Nexus will act as a single point of access for NNSA and DOE National Laboratory
recommendations, training, tools, and other relevant technical expertise and
guidance on nonproliferation.
Read More
| 8/17/2021 |
| | | The Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) announced today that two nuclear companies will be provided GAIN Nuclear Energy (NE) Vouchers to accelerate the innovation and application of advanced nuclear technologies. NE vouchers provide advanced nuclear technology innovators with access to the extensive nuclear research capabilities and expertise available across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory complex. This is the third set of awards in FY 2021.
The business selected to receive GAIN nuclear energy vouchers for Round 3 FY 2021 are: Engineered Soulutions Group LLC - Brevard, NC and Vega Wave Systems, Inc. - West Chicago, IL. READ ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT
| 6/10/2021 |
| | | In Service Inspection is a major challenge to consider for future Generation IV
Reactors safety. Therefore, a large focus of R&D work has been performed since
2010 in France for the Sodium Fast Reactor systems (SFR), mainly dedicated to
the inspection of reactor block structures, primary components and circuits, and
Power Conversion System main components (Heat Exchangers). In Service
Inspection requirements have to be taken into account since the early preconceptual design phase, then consolidated through the basic design phase with
more detailed specifications leading to increase the inspection tools ability for
immersed sodium structures of SFRs, at about 200°C (shut down conditions).
Inspection within the main vessel should be performed either with transducers
immersed in sodium (with associated in sodium robotics) and with transducers
located out of sodium medium. Nondestructive Examination, Telemetry and
Imaging are qualified with experimental in-water and then in-sodium testing, using
ultrasonic transducers. Experimental results are then compared to simulations
using French CIVA software platform results. Repair was also part of this program,
with laser system development. This webinar provides a technical overview of this
ISI&R program that involves specific international collaborations done through
GENIV mainly. Of course, it also benefits to other Gen4 systems.
Register NOW at: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8593664549162869259
Printable Copy
| 6/8/2021 |
| | | The development of critical design criteria for new advanced reactor systems, components, and materials requires an understanding of both fabrication and the irradiation environment during normal operating and accident conditions. Next-generation researchers and designers are therefore challenged not only by demands for improved performance, they must also work to shorten the development and commercialization lifecycle for new nuclear reactors and systems to remain competitive. This provides unique and exciting opportunities for all contributors to this field of study. This presentation will offer a strategic overview of the impact that advanced manufacturing has on the lifecycle of new generation reactors. By evaluating state-of-the-art practices found in other large manufacturing industries, this presentation provides an overview of major innovation areas that are considered to benefit the GEN-IV systems (SFR, GFR, LFR, FSMR...). Synergetic advanced manufacturing approaches beneficial to the collective GEN-IV systems, with some examples of differentiating approaches necessary for specific reactor designs, are discussed. Furthermore, new paradigms in licensing approaches for additively manufactured parts will be discussed. REGISTER HERE
Printable Flyer | 5/13/2021 |
| | | Application Deadline for Cycle 2021-1 of the Industry Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to be Extended from April 30, 2021 to May 28, 2021
The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) continues to evaluate its fiscal year (FY) 2021 appropriations to determine impacts on and priorities for its various research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) programs. However, due to shifting priorities within the Department in response to the Congressionally-initiated Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program and the need to support multiple high profile commitments, combined with near-term uncertainties due to the ongoing administration and leadership transition, NE has determined that it is in the best interest of both the advanced reactor technology development community and the Government to extend the application due date for Cycle 2021-1 for the Industry FOA from April 30, 2021 to May 28, 2021. Official notification of this date extension has been issued via Amendment 011 to U.S. Industry Opportunities for Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Funding Opportunity Number: DE-FOA-0001817. https://www.id.energy.gov/NEWS/FOA/FOAOpportunities/FOA.htm. At this time, NE anticipates executing two Industry FOA award cycles during FY 2021. As soon as possible following this notification, NE will update its estimate of FY 2021 funds available for Industry FOA awards via a question and answer (Q&A) update posted to the Industry FOA webpage. Such funds will be maximized to the extent practical, while balancing NE requirements for industry, university, national laboratory, and cross-cutting RD&D and support of enabling capabilities.
| 4/22/2021 |
| | | The Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) announced today that three nuclear companies will be provided GAIN Nuclear Energy (NE) Vouchers to accelerate the innovation and application of advanced nuclear technologies. NE vouchers provide advanced nuclear technology innovators with access to the extensive nuclear research capabilities and expertise available across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory complex. This is the first set of awards in FY 2021. The businesses selected to receive GAIN nuclear energy vouchers for Round 2 FY 2021 are: Lightbridge Corp. - Reston, VA, Oklo Inc. - Sunnyvale, CA, Radiant - El Segundo, CA
READ ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT
| 3/25/2021 |
|  | | GAIN Energy Calculator By the year 2050, we need to dramatically change the way we produce and consume energy if we are to achieve a number of key targets. We must also consider the implications of those energy choices. The GAIN Energy Calculator will allow state, local, and federal policy makers, students, researchers, and other interested stakeholders to visualize and model their policy changes and see real-world results based on validated science.
Click here and try it out.
| 3/25/2021 |