The nation’s current nuclear reactor fleet employs approximately 100,000 people. That number is anticipated to rise to 375,000 by 2050 with the deployment and commercialization of advanced reactors.
To help address the growing need for a robust and diverse workforce in the nuclear energy industry, the FY24 spending bill allocated $100 million to the U.S. Department of Energy to launch the Nuclear Reactor Safety Training and Workforce Development Program. The new program will support nuclear safety curriculum development and training implementation.
How it Works
Program funding targets university-led partnerships with industry, national laboratories, technical colleges, community colleges and universities, with a special emphasis on academic institutions located within 50 miles of an active nuclear power plant.
The program is intended to (1) ensure the nuclear fleet has a trained, dedicated workforce necessary to maintain safe and efficient operation; (2) create or expand upon one or more industry-recognized nuclear reactor safety credential; and (3) establish consortia to address gaps between skilled training needs and current nuclear workforce.
Why It’s Needed
As nuclear power plants continue to extend their lifespan through the renewal of operating licenses, the industry is confronted with an aging workforce and retirements. The long-term maintenance and sustainability of the country’s fleet of light-water reactors continues to be necessary to keep pace with the country’s growing demand for clean energy.
Nuclear Reactor Safety Training and Workforce Development Program Activities
Current Activities
Nuclear Reactor Safety Training and Workforce Development Program Funding Opportunity Announcement
- Up to $50 million is available to support nuclear safety curriculum development and training implementation.
- Applications are due no later than 5 p.m. EST on January 14, 2025.
- See the funding opportunity announcement: DE-FOA-0003410
- Note: An additional $50 million will be available in 2025 in a second round of funding, subject to appropriations.
Previous Activities
Request for Information and Notice of Intent for Nuclear Training and Workforce Development Program
- Responses closed on August 26, 2024.
- See the request for information: DE-RFI-NOI-0003410