Background
The nation’s current nuclear reactor fleet employs approximately 100,000 people. That number is anticipated to rise to 375,000 by 2050 with the deployment and commercialization of advanced reactors.
To help address the growing need for a robust and diverse workforce in the nuclear energy industry, the FY24 spending bill allocated $100 million to the U.S. Department of Energy to launch the Nuclear Reactor Safety Training and Workforce Development Program. The new program will support nuclear safety curriculum development and training implementation.
Program Overview
Program funding targets university-led partnerships with industry, national laboratories, technical colleges, community colleges and universities, with a special emphasis on academic institutions within 50 miles of an active nuclear power plant.
The program is intended to (1) ensure the nuclear fleet has a trained, dedicated workforce necessary to maintain safe and efficient operation; (2) create or expand upon one or more industry-recognized nuclear reactor safety credential; and (3) establish consortia to address gaps between skilled training needs and current nuclear workforce.
Why It’s Needed
As nuclear power plants continue to extend their lifespan through the renewal of operating licenses, the industry is confronted with an aging workforce and retirements. The long-term maintenance and sustainability of the country’s fleet of light-water reactors continues to be necessary to keep pace with the country’s growing demand for energy.
Current Opportunities
DOE issued a funding opportunity announcement for the Nuclear Reactor Safety Training and Workforce Development Program on September 30, 2024. Up to $50 million was available to support nuclear safety curriculum development and training implementation.
Applications closed on January 14, 2025. Another round of funding is anticipated to be announced in 2026.
Read the funding opportunity announcement: DE-FOA-0003410
DOE issued a Request for Information and Notice of Intent for Nuclear Training and Workforce Development Program on July 26, 2024.
Responses closed on August 26, 2024.
Read the Request for Information: DE-RFI-NOI-0003410
Selections
- The Consortium for Reactor Safety Training (CRεST) led by North Carolina State University will develop strategies to involve local communities in discussions about nuclear energy that address concerns and highlight the economic and environmental benefits of nuclear. ($18.3 million)
- The Great Lakes Partnership to Enhance the Nuclear Workforce (GLP), led by the University of Toledo, will work to enhance the existing safety training pipelines for the light-water reactor workforce, attract qualified individuals to the nuclear sector, modernize curricula for advanced reactor concepts, and establish industry recognized nuclear reactor safety certifications. ($19.2 million)
- Pennsylvania State University will establish an educational certificate program and corresponding certification to address a critical gap in the nuclear industry workforce identified by its industrial partner. ($2 million)
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville will focus is on curriculum development and instruction to support industry recognized training and certification. ($2 million)
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign will develop a unique nuclear cybersecurity education capability to ensure a secure fleet moving into the future. ($1.5 million)
- Purdue University will develop a novel academic curriculum on Nuclear Quality Assurance, System Integrity Management and Reactor Safety Analysis for students and professionals. ($1.6 million)
- Washington State University will develop a Reactor Ready Training Program education initiative aimed at addressing workforce gaps within the nuclear energy sector. The program will develop a curriculum that prepares students for nuclear power plant operations, safety, and other industry needs through partnerships with Washington State University, Columbia Basin College, and other key industry players. ($1.4 million)
- The RENEW partnership program led by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will enhance workforce training and safety education, develop and deliver innovative educational programs, and promote public awareness of the nuclear industry. ($1.1 million)
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln will develop new courses in nuclear engineering and create an industry recognized certification in nuclear reactor safety, in addition to providing new learning and internship opportunities for students, as well as enhanced community outreach. ($1.4 million)
- Maine Maritime Academy will establish a Center for Education and Training of the Nuclear Merchant Mariner, which will include developing a Nuclear Engineering Technology program, designing a reactor operator course approved by the International Maritime Organization, and demonstrating the feasibility of a floating nuclear power plant. ($1 million)
Announcements
Nuclear Reactor Safety Training and Workforce Development Updates
- Read the press release announcing selection of 10 university-led projects, announced April 7, 2026.
- Read the press release announcing the Nuclear Reactor Safety Training and Workforce Development funding opportunity, announced September 30, 2024.