High-performance Optimized Recycled Nuclear Isotopes for Gen IV reactors (HORNIG)
This grant funds research to develop advanced recycled nuclear fuels from transuranic elements for Gen IV reactors, aiming to boost U.S. energy security, reduce nuclear waste, and lower fuel costs.
Funder: Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy
Due Dates: May 28, 2026 (Concept Paper) | August 6, 2026 (Full Application) | September 8, 2026 (Replies to Reviewer Comments)
Funding Amounts: ~$50 million total | Typical awards $500,000–$7,000,000 over up to 36 months | ~8–10 awards expected
Summary: Supports R&D to develop and commercialize advanced recycled transuranic (TRU) nuclear fuels for Generation IV reactors, strengthening U.S. energy security and reducing nuclear waste.
Key Information: Minimum 20% cost share required (reduced for some applicants); concept paper mandatory for full proposal.
Description
This funding opportunity from ARPA-E seeks proposals for transformative research and development of high-performance, optimized recycled nuclear isotopes (transuranic, or TRU, fuels) for Generation IV nuclear reactors. The HORNIG program aims to overcome technical and economic barriers to commercial deployment of TRU fuels, which include elements such as plutonium, neptunium, and americium, by supporting the design, fabrication, modeling, and qualification of these fuels.
Projects should deliver commercially deployable TRU fuel technologies that:
- Enable a domestic TRU fuel supply chain
- Achieve a levelized cost of fuel (LCOF) ≤ 1¢/kWh
- Reach TRU fuel qualification and regulatory acceptance within seven years
The program is structured in two categories:
- Category A: Fuels – Focuses on innovation in TRU fuel design, fabrication, testing, modeling, and accelerated qualification.
- Category B: Capabilities – Develops cross-cutting tools and analyses (e.g., technoeconomic analysis, life-cycle assessment, deployment pathways) to support Category A teams.
The ultimate goal is to reduce reliance on imported uranium, expand domestic fuel options, and establish a closed nuclear fuel cycle, improving energy security and environmental outcomes.
