WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced two new Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA), valued up to $14 million to better integrate the United States’ universities into DOE’s nuclear research and development (R&D) programs; and contribute to assuring a new generation of engineers and scientists necessary for pursuing nuclear power - a safe, reliable, affordable and emissions-free source of energy.  These FOAs support the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) University Readiness and the Nuclear Energy Research Initiative for Consortia (NERI-C).  These new awards will bring total Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 funding to universities that support nuclear energy programs to over $54 million.

“These Funding Opportunity Announcements demonstrate our commitment to pursuing nuclear research, and we are eager for our next generation of scientists and engineers to make scientific breakthroughs that will help diversify our nation’s energy sources,” Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Dennis Spurgeon said.  “Supporting education and training is critical to developing secure, competitive and environmentally responsible nuclear technologies to serve the United States’ present and future energy needs.”

For the GNEP University Readiness FOA, DOE seeks applications from universities for capability expansion that will directly support GNEP R&D programs.  Capability expansion includes laboratory upgrades; faculty support; graduate fellowships; reactor improvements; equipment purchases or upgrades; curriculum development and enhancement; and international student exchange or other similar activities that directly impact a university’s ability to compete in future GNEP R&D solicitations.  Estimated funding for the one-time GNEP University Readiness awards total $4 million, with a maximum of $100,000 per award.

DOE’s Funding Opportunity Announcement for NERI-C seeks applications from university consortia for R&D that will directly support a broad range of programs in the Office of Nuclear Energy; including: the Advanced Fuel Cycle R&D Program, the Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems Initiative, and the Nuclear Hydrogen Initiative.  Estimated funding for the NERI-C awards totals $10 million.  This will be the first year funding for multi-year research grants that could receive total funding of about $30 million.  Additional university grants are planned in subsequent years, subject to program requirements and congressional appropriations.

Applications for the NERI-C announcement are due May 23, 2007.  Applications for the GNEP University Readiness announcement are due by June 7, 2007.  DOE anticipates announcing the selection later this year.  Applications must be submitted through http://www.grants.gov/ to be considered for award.

For additional information on this announcement, GNEP and nuclear R&D programs, visit: http://www.nuclear.gov/.

Media contact(s):
Craig Stevens, (202) 586-4940