D.O.E. Awards $18.3 Million to Nuclear Industry Consortia for GNEP Studies

Today's announcement follows DOE's award of $16 million last September

WASHINGTON, DC - The D.O.E. (DOE) this week awarded $18.3 million to 4 industry teams to further develop projects for an initial nuclear fuel recycling center and advanced recycling reactor as part of the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP). Today's 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; and $1.3 million to General Atomics. These firms will further develop detailed studies that build on conceptual design studies, technology development roadmaps, business projects submitted earlier this year by these 4 industry consortia.

"The expertise that these industry teams bring to the table provides an important perspective as D.O.E. 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."

D.O.E. 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 suggested GNEP activities. In January 2008, the 4 consortia presented their analysis to DOE, which helped determine where additional studies were needed and provided the basis for today's awards. D.O.E. may make another round of awards for additional GNEP studies later this year.

GNEP is part of President Bush's Advanced Energy Initiative and looks for to enable the expanded use of economical, carbon-free nuclear energy worldwide to meet growing electricity demand. GNEP looks for to close the nuclear fuel cycle in ways that reduce proliferation risks, reduce waste and further increase global energy security. For further information on DOE's GNEP and other nuclear energy programs, visit the Office of Nuclear Energy.

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