The Office of Nuclear Energy Issues Call to Universities for Full Research Proposals

The Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) today announced that through its Nuclear Energy University Programs, projects submitted from 59 universities are invited to provide full proposals for nuclear energy research and development projects.

Projects from these 59 American universities were chosen from those submitted by 91 schools based on their relevancy to the NE mission and their scientific and technical merit. The applications specifically focused on areas such as: fuel cycle research and development; reactor concepts research, development, and demonstration; as well as advanced modeling and simulation.

The solicitation is open exclusively to all who participated in the associated Request for Pre-Applications process that was recently completed. Full applications are due on January 24, 2012, and must be submitted using the submittal application at www.neup.gov. NE will likely notify award recipients in April 2012.

###

Secretary Chu Statement on AP1000 Reactor Design Certification

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu issued the following statement today in support of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) decision to certify Westinghouse Electric’s AP1000 nuclear reactor design, a significant step towards constructing a new generation of U.S. nuclear reactors. In February 2010, the Obama Administration announced the offer of a conditional commitment for a $8.33 billion loan guarantee for the construction and operation of two AP1000 reactors at Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generation Plant in Burke, Georgia.

“The Administration and the Energy Department are committed to restarting America’s nuclear industry – creating thousands of jobs in the years ahead and powering our nation’s homes and businesses with domestic, low-carbon energy,” said Secretary Chu. “Today’s decision certifying the AP1000 reactor design marks an important milestone towards constructing the first U.S. nuclear reactors in three decades.”

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Energy Department’s offer of a conditional commitment supports two new 1,100 megawatt Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear reactors at the Vogtle plant, supplementing the two existing reactor units at the facility. The project is expected to create approximately 3,500 onsite construction jobs and 800 permanent jobs once the reactors become operational.

The Energy Department has also engaged in cost-share agreements with industry to provide technical assistance and application support for new reactor design certification, including for the Westinghouse AP1000. These efforts have served to help American companies lead the way in obtaining certification and licensing approvals, helping to streamline these processes for future investments in the U.S. nuclear industry.

###