Silcon Carbide Cladding Lead Test Rod Development-Phase 1
Supports development and fabrication of silicon carbide nuclear fuel cladding for reactor irradiation and post-irradiation testing by 2030, advancing its future use in commercial light water reactors.
Funder: Idaho Field Office
Due Dates: November 30, 2026 (Questions) | December 7, 2026 (Application, 5:00 p.m. ET) | February 5, 2027 (Anticipated selection) | April 6, 2027 (Anticipated award/start)
Funding Amounts: $50 million estimated program funding; one anticipated three-year cooperative agreement; $62.5 million award ceiling
Summary: Supports silicon carbide nuclear fuel cladding research, fabrication, irradiation, and post-irradiation examinations by 2030.
Key Information: Applicants must provide at least 20% of total project costs from nonfederal sources unless otherwise authorized by law.
Description
The Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy, through its Idaho Operations Office, supports research and development to advance silicon carbide (SiC) cladding for future use in commercial light water reactors. Phase 1 funds fabrication of specimens, research-reactor irradiation, and post-irradiation examinations by 2030. The goal is to improve accident tolerance and safety while maintaining or improving irradiation performance and reactor efficiency.
Relevant work includes mechanical, thermal-hydraulic, high-temperature, corrosion and erosion testing; irradiation-damage studies; advanced cladding and fiber/tow fabrication; accident testing; modeling; fuel-rod evaluation; and supply-chain development. SiC-only composites and concepts combining SiC with other cladding materials are considered. Projects should present a reasonable path to Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing and commercial adoption. Commercial lead test rod and assembly insertion is anticipated in later program stages.
