Awards will accelerate the innovation and application of advanced nuclear technologies that could lower nuclear plant operational costs and further develop molten salt fuel for future use in an advanced reactor.
June 20, 2024
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) announced today that two companies will be provided vouchers to accelerate the innovation and application of advanced nuclear technologies that could lower operational costs at nuclear power plants and further develop molten salt fuel for future use in an advanced reactor. The vouchers provide companies access to the extensive nuclear research capabilities and expertise available across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory complex.
Entergy Operations, Inc. (Jackson, MS) will work with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to implement a real-time predictive model that could one day reduce manual rounds and resource intensive monitoring efforts which are currently being employed at nuclear plants. The new data-driven approach is anticipated to lower operational costs while mitigating equipment failures and ensuring the predictability of nuclear plant operations.
Terrestrial Energy USA, Inc. (Charlotte, NC) will partner with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to analyze the fuel salt used in the company’s Integral Molten Salt Reactor to better understand how it changes in response to temperature during normal operation and accident scenarios.
GAIN voucher recipients do not receive direct financial awards. Vouchers provide funding to DOE laboratories to help businesses overcome critical technological and commercialization challenges. All awardees are responsible for a minimum 20 percent cost share, which could be an in-kind contribution.
GAIN was established by DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy and provides the nuclear community with the technical, regulatory, and financial support necessary to move innovative nuclear technologies toward commercialization while ensuring the continued, safe, and economic operation of the existing fleet.
This is the third round of GAIN vouchers awarded for FY 2024.
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