WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, through the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is providing up to $2 million for the Nuclear Energy Voucher pilot program. The goal of the program is to assist new entrants into the nuclear field as they build the collaborations necessary to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative nuclear technologies by granting them access to the extensive nuclear research capabilities available at DOE’s national laboratories and Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partners.
“We congratulate these small businesses selected for the NE Voucher pilot program, and we look forward to working with each of these organizations as they develop their innovative concepts,” said John Kotek, DOE Acting Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy. “In addition to this financial support, DOE will be fostering innovation by facilitating these groups’ access to the extensive nuclear research capabilities hosted at DOE National Labs and our partners in the Nuclear Science User Facilities program.”
The mission of GAIN is to provide the nuclear community with access to the technical, regulatory, and financial support necessary to move innovative nuclear energy technologies toward commercialization while ensuring the continued safe, reliable, and economic operation of the existing nuclear fleet.
“I am excited to begin working with each of the recipients,” said Dr. Kemal Pasamehmetoglu, Director of the GAIN initiative and Associate Lab Director for Nuclear Science & Technology at Idaho National Laboratory. “Along with our partner labs, we have the facilities and capabilities needed to help make their advanced nuclear technology concepts a reality. The urgency and stakeholder support for these innovations has never been stronger.”
The small businesses selected for vouchers are:
“I was impressed with the number and quality of applications and the interest in developing innovative nuclear technologies,” Pasamehmetoglu said. The awardees have been notified and connected with their partner facilities. They will now begin formally working on the scope and cost estimates for their work under GAIN; the awards are contingent upon agreement of the final cost and scope by both parties.
Announcement of future GAIN events and programs can be found on the GAIN website at gain.inl.gov.
