Nuclear Energy Waste Transmutation Optimized Now (NEWTON) SBIR/STTR, DE-FOA-0003419
ID: 355410Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy (DOE-ARPAE)

Award Range

$307K - $4M

Eligible Applicants

Small Businesses

Funding Category

Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Funding Instrument

Other

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Additional Information

https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov
Timeline
    Description

    The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) is offering a funding opportunity titled "Nuclear Energy Waste Transmutation Optimized Now" (NEWTON) to support the research and development of innovative technologies for transmuting used nuclear fuel (UNF). The initiative aims to address the challenges associated with UNF management by reducing its volume, activity, and effective half-life through advanced particle generation and transmutation methods. This program is critical for enhancing the commercial viability of nuclear waste disposal solutions, shifting from long-term to intragenerational management of nuclear waste, thereby aligning with ARPA-E's mission to advance energy technologies and improve U.S. energy security. The total estimated funding for this opportunity is approximately $40 million, with individual awards ranging from $306,872 to $4.4 million. Interested applicants must register and submit a concept paper via ARPA-E eXCHANGE by August 16, 2024, and can direct inquiries to arpa-e-co@hq.doe.gov for further assistance.

    Point(s) of Contact
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    Title
    Posted
    The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) has issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) titled "Nuclear Energy Waste Transmutation Optimized Now" (NEWTON) to support research and development of technologies for transmuting used nuclear fuel (UNF). The initiative addresses the challenge of UNF management, intending to reduce its volume, activity, and effective half-life through innovative particle generation and transmutation methods. The FOA, with an expected budget of approximately $40 million, seeks to fund 6-12 awards ranging from $306,872 to $4.4 million per project. Applicants must register through ARPA-E eXCHANGE and submit a concept paper by August 16, 2024. The program emphasizes collaborative efforts across three technical categories: enhancing particle beam generation, developing transmutation targets, and conducting techno-economic analyses. Key performance goals include achieving high transmutation throughput by processing UNF components within 30 years and improving the reliability and efficiency of particle generation systems. Successful technologies will target the commercial viability of transmutation facilities to facilitate a shift in nuclear waste disposal from long-term to intragenerational solutions, aligning with ARPA-E's mission of advancing energy technologies and enhancing U.S. energy security.
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