Office of Nuclear Energy Awards $49M to Enhance Nuclear Safety Training and Workforce Development

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy today competitively awarded more than $49.7 million to 10 university-led projects that will grow nuclear safety training programs and curricula nationwide. Awards support President Trump’s commitment to accelerating a nuclear energy renaissance that will help the nation achieve energy dominance, independence, and security.

“More nuclear energy means more nuclear energy jobs,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Strategic Crosscuts, Michelle Scott. “Today’s awards help ensure that the next generation of nuclear energy workers receive robust and rigorous training that promotes the highest standards of safety.”

The nuclear energy sector expects unprecedented job growth over the next 25 years. 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 ongoing operation of the country’s fleet of light-water reactors continues to be necessary to keep pace with the nation’s growing energy demands.

To help address the rising need for skilled workers in the nuclear energy industry, DOE launched the Nuclear Reactor Safety Training and Workforce Development Program. The new program will provide up to $100 million in funding to support the development, demonstration and implementation of enhanced nuclear safety curricula and training. All selectees are responsible for a 50 percent cost share.

Today’s awards include:

Demonstration and Implementation

• 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)

Training Needs and Curriculum Development

• 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 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)

A second round of funding is anticipated to be announced in 2026. 

Learn more about the Nuclear Reactor Safety Training Program.

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