U.S. to fund nuclear fuel center design

Studies resulting from the funding will include scope, schedule and cost information for the proposed facilities and will also identify technological needs.

"Nuclear energy is a safe, environmentally sensitive and affordable way to meet the world's growing need for baseload electricity," U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Clay Sell said. "By further engaging engineering and design experts in the nuclear industry, we can spur radical development of new nuclear recycling technologies that are more proliferation-resistant and economically attractive."

Sell said the funding announcement is intended to promote and develop nuclear industry expertise to provide conceptual design studies, technology roadmaps, and business and communications plans to support the design, construction and operation of an initial nuclear fuel recycling center and advanced recycling reactor.

Three to six awards are expected to be determined later this year, with funding applications due by June 22.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International