To achieve energy security and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction objectives, the United States must develop and deploy clean, affordable, domestic energy sources as quickly as possible. Nuclear power will continue to be a key component of a portfolio of technologies that meets our energy goals.  Nuclear Energy R&D activities are organized along four main R&D objectives that address challenges to expanding the use of nuclear power: (1) develop technologies and other solutions that can improve the reliability, sustain the safety, and extend the life of current reactors; (2) develop improvements in the affordability of new reactors to enable nuclear energy to help meet the Administration's energy security and climate change goals; (3) develop sustainable nuclear fuel cycles; and (4) understanding and minimization of risks of nuclear 
proliferation and terrorism.  
 
To support these objectives, the Department of Energy is seeking to advance engineering materials for service in nuclear reactors.   
 
Grant applications are sought in the following subtopics:  
 
a. Specialty Steels and Alloys 

Grant applications are sought to develop improvements in radiation‐resistant, high‐temperature steels and alloys with practical applications for Generation IV reactor systems, such as high‐temperature gas‐ or 
liquid‐cooled systems at 400‐850°C.  In general, this will be interpreted to mean that those materials which have improved creep strength can be formed and joined, are compatible with one or more high‐
temperature reactor coolants, and could reasonably be expected to eventually receive ASME Section III qualification for use in nuclear construction.  
 
Questions – Contact: William Corwin, william.corwin@nuclear.energy.gov 
 
b. Ceramic Composites 
 
Grant applications are sought to develop improved design and fabrication methods targeted at reducing cost and/or allowing joining of nuclear‐grade SiC‐SiC composites that can be used in the Generation IV gas‐cooled and liquid fluoride salt‐cooled reactors at temperatures up to 850°C.  Additional consideration will be given to proposals for SiC‐SiC materials and forms that are also compatible for use as fuel cladding. 
 
Questions – Contact: William Corwin, william.corwin@nuclear.energy.gov 
 
c. In Situ Mitigation and Repair of Materials Degradation 
 
Grant applications are sought to develop technologies for the in situ mitigation and repair of materials degradation in Light Water Reactor systems and components, in order to extend the service life of current light water reactors. Approaches of interest include new techniques for the repair of materials degradation in metals, concrete, and cables; and methods that can mitigate irradiation and aging effects in existing reactors and components. 
 
Questions – Contact: Sue Lesica, sue.lesica@nuclear.energy.gov