Nuclear energy grants awarded by Department of Energy

  • December 3, 2025

Nuclear Energy Explained: How does it work? 1/3

DOE Awards $5.3 Million for University-Led Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Projects

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy announced more than $5.3 million for 15 university-led infrastructure projects designed to strengthen America’s nuclear energy workforce, expand laboratory and research capabilities, and restore the nation’s position as the world’s leading energy producer.

DOE stated that this investment supports President Trump’s Executive Order Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base and advances his agenda to usher in a “nuclear renaissance” while expanding America’s energy dominance.

Universities Selected for DOE Nuclear Infrastructure Funding

The following universities received infrastructure awards as part of the DOE investment:

Kansas State University

Project: Kansas State University Research Reactor Primary Tank Refurbish
Award: $138,182
Kansas State University will refurbish the primary tank at the Kansas State University Research Reactor (KSURR). The original aluminum liner will receive a robust spray-on coating. DOE said the upgrade will mitigate major maintenance issues, increase safety, and improve long-term reactor reliability.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(Selected by DOE — project details were included in the federal listing.)

Oregon State University

(Selected by DOE — project details included in the award list.)

Pennsylvania State University

(Selected — part of the DOE-supported nuclear research expansion.)

Purdue University

(Selected — furthering nuclear workforce and research capabilities.)

Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center

(Selected — research reactor and nuclear science infrastructure support.)

State University of New York, Stony Brook

(Selected — investment supports infrastructure used in nuclear education and materials research.)

The Ohio State University

(Selected — DOE funding supports laboratory upgrades and nuclear testing capabilities.)

University of Florida

(Selected — supports reactor-related or nuclear research facility improvements.)

University of Michigan

(Selected — enhances nuclear engineering and workforce training facilities.)

University of New Mexico

Project: Advancing Facilities for Synergistic Liquid and Gas Environmental Testing of Materials
Award: $198,788
The project establishes environmental test cells on UNM’s Kammrath-Weiss load frame for mechanical testing in gas and liquid environments. It also funds a hydrogen charging apparatus for materials testing under hydrogen exposure.

University of Notre Dame

(Selected — improving nuclear-related research capabilities.)

University of Tennessee at Knoxville

(Selected — infrastructure enhancement for nuclear research programs.)

University of Wisconsin–Madison

(Selected — supports research reactor and nuclear engineering facility upgrades.)

DOE Says Investment Will Boost Workforce and Nuclear Renaissance

DOE emphasized that the funding will:

  • Strengthen U.S. nuclear engineering programs

  • Support hands-on reactor training

  • Enhance materials testing and research environments

  • Advance next-generation nuclear development

  • Support the Trump administration’s push for American energy dominance

DOE said these awards directly contribute to workforce pipelines needed for SMRs, advanced reactors, nuclear fuel research, and reactor operations, all considered critical to meeting future U.S. electricity demand.

📌 MORE ENERGY NEWS

Learn more about the awards here.

Jerry Bohnen