DOE Awards $18.3M to Nuclear Industry Consortia for GNEP Studies

April 3, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS

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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded $18.3 million to four industry teams to further develop plans for an initial nuclear fuel recycling center and advanced recycling reactor as part of the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP).

These awards include:

• $5.9 million to EnergySolutions.
• $5.7 million to the International Nuclear Recycling Alliance, led by Areva and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
• $5.5 million to General Electric-Hitachi.
• $1.3 million to General Atomics.

These firms will further develop detailed studies that build on conceptual design studies, technology development roadmaps and business plans submitted earlier this year by these four industry consortia.

DOE will use the information and recommendations provided by these studies, as well as other information and analyses, to determine the cost, feasibility and technical aspects of proposed GNEP activities.

In January 2008, the four consortia presented their analysis to DOE, which helped determine where additional studies were needed and provided the basis for these awards. DOE may make another round of awards for additional GNEP studies later this year.

GNEP is part of the U.S. federal government's Advanced Energy Initiative and seeks to enable the expanded use of economical, carbon-free nuclear energy worldwide to meet growing electricity demand. GNEP seeks to close the nuclear fuel cycle in ways that reduce proliferation risks, reduce waste and further increase global energy security.

"The expertise that these industry teams bring to the table provides an important perspective as DOE evaluates technology options and business approaches to close the nuclear fuel cycle," Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Dennis R. Spurgeon said.

"This industry analysis and technical planning will inform GNEP decision making and support international cooperation as nations seek to safely expand the benefits of clean, reliable and affordable nuclear power worldwide."

For further information on DOE GNEP and other nuclear energy programs, visit the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy web site.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).