DOE Opens $16M for High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) Transportation Package
Applications are due January 21st, 2025, at 5:00pm EST
Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (this program is accepting applications)
Opportunity: High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) Transportation Package, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
Overview and Eligible Uses:
This grant program supports research, development, and NRC certification for HALEU (up to <20% U-235) transportation packaging. It addresses the challenges of transporting enriched uranium safely and efficiently, focusing on both new package designs and modifications to existing ones. The program aims to establish a sustainable supply chain for HALEU, ensuring a secure and resilient domestic fuel supply for the nuclear energy industry. It responds to legislative directives under the Energy Act of 2020 and leverages Section 40803 Wildland Risk Reduction to support long-term solutions for HALEU transportation.
Topic Area 1: This area focuses on the development of new transportation package designs for HALEU, requiring significant time and resources to create competitive, economically viable solutions. Projects may involve innovative approaches to materials, design structures, and packaging technologies. Eligible uses include developing new packaging concepts, conducting research and testing, and preparing detailed technical descriptions for NRC certification. Projects should address obstacles related to materials sourcing, design challenges, and licensing requirements to ensure legal compliance and commercial viability.
Topic Area 2: This area targets the modification of existing transportation package designs to accommodate HALEU. Projects should aim to enhance current packaging to meet the specific needs of transporting enriched uranium safely. Eligible uses include adapting existing designs, testing modifications, and applying for NRC certification of modified packaging. The focus is on achieving regulatory approval through streamlined processes and reducing costs associated with packaging modifications. Projects must demonstrate a clear understanding of the requirements under relevant NRC licenses and address any technical, design, or regulatory hurdles.
Amount: Total Program Funding: $16,000,000
Topic Area 1:
Approximate total available funding: $12,000,000
Approximate number of awards: Up to 4 awards
Approximate dollar amount of individual awards: Up to $6,000,000 in total project cost with DOE paying up to $3,000,000
Topic Area 2:
Approximate total available funding: $4,000,000
Approximate number of awards: Up to 4 awards
Approximate dollar amount of individual awards: Up to $2,000,000 in total project cost with DOE paying up to $1,000,000
Award Type: Cooperative Agreement
Eligible Applicants:
Domestic Entities (Institutes of higher education; for-profit entities; non-profit entities; state and local government entities and Indian Tribes)
DOE FFRDC’s and non-DOE FFRDCs and Federal Research Agencies may not be Prime recipients, but may be subrecipient(s)
Key Dates: Application due: January 21st, 2025, at 5:00pm EST
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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