DOE Announces Funding for Nuclear Investments, Grid Modernization

Last week, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced awards to X-energy and Southern Company to work on advanced nuclear reactor designs, in support of the Administration’s goal to move toward carbon-free generation.  This funding ($80 million over multiple years possible) is meant to support research that will address technical challenges to the design, construction, and operation of next generation nuclear reactors.  Additionally, DOE announced a $220 million award over three years to DOE’s National Labs and partners to support several key grid modernization areas, including advanced storage systems, clean energy integration, and standards and test procedures.  DOE Secretary Ernest Moniz highlighted the importance of grid modernization to reducing carbon emissions, safeguarding against attacks on infrastructure, and keeping the lights on.