New funding aims to grow reactor safety training programs and curriculum nationwide.
September 30, 2024
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Funding aims to grow reactor safety training programs and curriculum nationwide
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $100 million in funding to establish a nuclear safety training and workforce development program. Job growth in the U.S. nuclear energy sector is projected to triple by 2050 thanks to investments made by the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda and the long-term maintenance and sustainability of these reactors is crucial to keeping pace with the growing demand for clean energy.
“We anticipate unprecedented growth in nuclear energy workforce needs over the next few decades as we strive to triple our nuclear energy capacity by 2050,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Dr. Michael Goff. “We’re excited to offer academia, industry, and communities a new program to help identify and fill gaps in nuclear reactor safety training and certification.”
Today’s initial round of funding provides up to $50 million to support nuclear safety curriculum development and training implementation through university-led partnerships with industry, national laboratories, technical colleges, and community colleges.
Applicants can apply for funding through the following topic areas:
Topic Area 1 - Demonstration and Implementation
Focuses on demonstration and implementation of reactor safety training programs and the establishment or enhancement of industry-recognized nuclear reactor safety training credential.
Topic Area 2 - Training Needs and Curriculum Development
Targets development of training, curriculum, and faculty at universities and community colleges to support reactor safety programs, and establishment of sustainable long-term partnerships with utilities, industry, state and local governments, K-12 formal and informal institutions, and labor organizations.
An additional $50 million will be available in 2025 in a second round of funding, subject to appropriations.
Applications are due no later than 5:00 PM EST on January 14, 2025. Awards will be announced in the spring of 2025.
Learn more and apply HERE.
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