Simpler Grants.gov #DE-FOA-0003577

DOE Funding for Silicon Carbide Nuclear Fuel Cladding Research and Development

The U.S. Department of Energy is funding research to advance silicon carbide cladding for future commercial nuclear fuel. - Government buyer: Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Nuclear Energy, Idaho Operations Office. - Opportunity: Funding opportunity DE-FOA-0003577; DOE anticipates one cooperative agreement. - Requested work: Research, develop, and fabricate silicon carbide (SiC) nuclear-fuel cladding specimens, supporting qualification and licensing for commercial light-water reactors. - Improve SiC and SiC/SiC composite cladding fabrication methods. - Test mechanical, thermal-hydraulic, high-temperature, corrosion, and erosion performance; study irradiation response and damage; and conduct accident and transient testing, modeling, and post-irradiation examination. - Generate performance data to support future commercial lead-test-rod irradiation and licensing analyses. Specimens are intended for research-reactor insertion, irradiation, and evaluation; examples cited include INL ATR, ORNL HFIR, and MITR. - Products and quantities: No commercial products, manufacturer part numbers, or purchase quantities are specified. The opportunity anticipates one funded project/cooperative agreement. - Funding and cost share: Approximately $50 million in DOE funding; the attachment summaries state a minimum 20% nonfederal cost share, while the revised opportunity description does not restate the percentage. - Notable requirements: Work must be performed in the United States, and foreign travel is not allowed. Continuation is subject to performance and DOE Go/No-Go decisions. - Companies: No OEMs or commercial vendors are identified in the opportunity materials.

Description

The opportunity funds research, development, and fabrication of silicon carbide cladding specimens for insertion into research reactors, irradiation, and post-irradiation examination by 2030. The program aims to advance silicon carbide cladding for nuclear fuel rods for future use in commercial light water reactors. Work includes testing cladding samples and generating performance data to support future commercial lead test rod irradiation and licensing analyses. The notice anticipates one award, provides an estimated $50,000,000 in funding, and requires cost sharing.

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