DOE Opens $10 Million Fuel Cycle Research and Development
Submission deadline for full application is 5 PM (EST), February 19, 2025.
Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (this program is accepting applications)
Opportunity: Fuel Cycle Research and Development to Assess Options as Technologies and Economics Evolve
Overview and Eligible Uses: The program aims to enhance nuclear fuel recycling by recovering fissile materials to reduce reliance on mined uranium and minimize high-level radioactive waste. It supports cost-shared research with U.S. industry to advance nuclear fuel recycling technologies while ensuring safety, security, and nonproliferation. The Material Recovery and Waste Form Development (MRWFD) program funds R&D on advanced recycling methods to improve resource efficiency, energy generation, and waste management. Research focuses on developing chemical and physical recycling processes that maximize material reuse and minimize waste. The U.S. Government integrates efforts to mitigate nuclear risks by securing materials, preventing illicit use, and addressing emerging threats in nuclear proliferation.
Amount: DOE anticipates awarding up to a total of $10,000,000 for multiple projects up to $5,000,000 each.
Award Type: Cooperative Agreement
Eligible Applicants:
Restricted Eligibility: FFRDCs cannot apply as prime applicants but may be subrecipients. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-owned nuclear industry entities.
Domestic Entities: Must be U.S.-owned, legally formed, and have a physical U.S. business location. Prime recipients may partner with FFRDCs, universities, nonprofits, and for-profits. Facility Clearance may be required.
Foreign Entities: Generally ineligible, but DOE may grant waivers.
Participant Limitations: DOE & non-DOE FFRDCs and federal agencies (except DOE) can only be subrecipients, not prime applicants.
Work Requirement: All work must be performed in the U.S. unless a waiver is granted.
Key Dates: Submission deadline for full application is 5 PM (EST), February 19, 2025.
Key Links:
For a full list of currently available grant programs under the Infrastructure Law and other helpful tools, take a look at our Helpful Resources page.
This tracker will continue to send updates when new funding opportunities are announced.
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