The United States Department of Energy has announced $19.1 million in funding to support research and development in nuclear energy. This investment adds to the nearly $1 billion provided by the DOE for nuclear energy research since 2009. Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Kathryn Huff emphasized the importance of universities and colleges in advancing clean energy technologies and fostering the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers. The funding will support faculty, scholarships, fellowships for students, and nuclear research projects.
Nuclear power has the potential to replace air pollution-producing fossil fuels like gas and oil. Despite public concerns stemming from incidents like Chernobyl disaster, proponents argue that nuclear power is already safer than commonly believed and produces minimal air pollution. In fact, recent studies show that it emits 70% less carbon dioxide than natural gas-fired power plants over their entire lifetimes.
Robert Hayes, an associate professor of nuclear engineering, highlighted the benefits of nuclear energy in addressing climate change and energy security. He emphasized the need for the U.S. to expand its use of nuclear energy as a sustainable and low-risk alternative to fossil fuels. Recent developments such as the U.S Nuclear Regulatory Commission issuing its first construction permit for a new type of nuclear test reactor in decades signaling a renewed interest in nuclear energy development .
