These projects span 24 states and will be funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy. Collectively, these initiatives will receive $52.8 million to help push the boundaries of nuclear technology research and development. This funding initiative, which was revealed in March 2026, underscores the government’s commitment to bolster nuclear energy research and education across the nation.
Those dollars will go toward 116 of their projects in 19 different states. It will spotlight early-stage nuclear energy research advances taking place at U.S. universities, national laboratories and private industry. This funding goes directly towards promoting what President Trump called for in his Executive Order 14302. That order’s intent is to restore a robust, domestic nuclear industrial base in the country.
Funding Distribution and Focus Areas
This funding opportunity will fund 43 projects. They will be awarded under the Nuclear Energy University Program – for both R&D and Integrated Research Projects. In addition, 43 other projects will have access to facilities supported by the Nuclear Science User Facilities Program. The funding will increase the value of the Distinguished Early Career Program. It will support three exceptional early-career university faculty members. These faculty members will focus on developing innovative research and education programs that aim to advance critical inquiries in nuclear energy.
Michelle Scott, a representative from the Department of Energy, highlighted how momentous this investment truly is.
“Supporting these projects is an important investment in the nation’s nuclear technologies, universities and future workforce.” – Michelle Scott
Commitment to Innovation and Education
Since 2009, the Department of Energy has awarded more than $1 billion to help advance nuclear research projects. This investment further demonstrates its fierce commitment to advancing nuclear energy. The current wave of funding inarguably fuels technological development. It uncovers and cultivates the next generation of researchers and educators in the nuclear field.
This latest round of funding exemplifies a broader effort to enhance the United States’ position in the global nuclear energy landscape. The Department of Energy has a robust portfolio in building and promoting early-stage, groundbreaking research. It makes major investments in our educational institutions to ensure that our nation remains the leaders on nuclear technology development.
“DoE is committed to helping supply researchers and educators with the resources and funding they need to keep driving innovative nuclear energy research and scientific breakthroughs.” – Michelle Scott
The Path Forward for Nuclear Energy
To-date, forty-six projects have found fiscal support. Stakeholders in the nuclear energy sector should now expect monumental improvements that have the potential to revolutionize energy production and sustainability.
With 46 projects receiving financial backing, stakeholders within the nuclear energy sector can look forward to significant advancements that may shape the future of energy production and sustainability.