Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded the Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) and American Nuclear Society (ANS) a combined $800,000 to connect with communities across the United States and establish education and outreach opportunities in nuclear energy.

ECA and ANS will emphasize energy justice and prioritize their work in localities impacted by or interested in deploying advanced reactors. Nuclear power currently provides 50 percent of the nation’s carbon-free electricity. It supports roughly 475,000 U.S. jobs and is vital to the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. 

“This program is an essential step in expanding engagement with communities interested in nuclear power and its role in helping achieve our country’s clean energy goals,” Dr. Kathryn Huff, Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy said. “It is equally imperative that we incorporate environmental and energy justice in these efforts as we aim to ensure that the benefits of clean energy projects are equitably delivered to all.”

Through today’s award, DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy will collaborate with ECA and ANS to work with energy communities, educational entities, and other constituents to further its shared mission to advance nuclear energy's role in addressing energy, environmental, and economic needs. These energy partnerships will help provide unique perspectives and innovative ideas on topics related to the management of spent nuclear fuel, clean energy equity, and STEM education.

"As local leaders in communities that have long hosted federal nuclear facilities, we live and work with nuclear energy in our backyards. Today there is strong bipartisan support for nuclear energy in Congress, new federal demonstration projects led by the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense, and notable investment from the private sector," Kara Colton, ECA Director of Nuclear Policy said. "Now communities interested nuclear - whether for energy independence, mitigating the impacts of climate change or creating clean energy jobs - need to be meaningfully engaged to understand both the opportunities and the challenges.ECA and ANS working together will provide critical tools and education for local communities to address the challenges and create opportunities."

ECA will use its awarded $600,000 to partner with ANS to assist communities and engage local governments on outreach activities to advance the development of nuclear energy technologies and policies. ECA will also identify resources and key stakeholders for communities and help facilitate meaningful conversations between NE and local governments on topics ranging from advanced reactor deployment to spent nuclear fuel management.

ANS will receive approximately $200,000 to broaden the diversity and reach of professional development opportunities for educators, particularly those teaching underserved students. It will also help build a diverse workforce, engage communities in locations impacted by nuclear projects, and increase awareness and knowledge of policymakers about nuclear energy and its benefits.

The Administration is using approximately $480,000 in fiscal year 2022 funds for this program. Each award extends over a two-year performance period. Funding for all awards and future budget periods is contingent upon Congressional appropriations and the availability of future-year budget authority.