High-performance Optimized Recycled Nuclear Isotopes for Gen IV reactors (HORNIG)
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The Department of Energy’s ARPA-E is funding the HORNIG program to advance recycled transuranic nuclear fuel technologies for Gen IV reactors and strengthen U.S. energy security. The work covers integrated TRU fuel design, fabrication, testing, modeling, qualification, and supporting cross-cutting analyses such as techno-economic and life-cycle assessment. Projects are expected to address major technical and economic barriers while meeting aggressive performance goals, including a domestic TRU fuel supply chain, a levelized cost of fuel of 1 cent per kWh or less, and fuel qualification and regulatory acceptance within seven years. The opportunity includes cost sharing, offers about $50 million in total funding, and applications are due May 28, 2026 through ARPA-E eXCHANGE, with contact information available at arpa-e-co@hq.doe.gov.
Eligible Applicants
See Section II.A. of the NOFO.