Silicon-Carbide Ceramic Matrix Composite Cladding for Nuclear Fuels

Agency: Idaho Field Office

81.121 -- Nuclear Energy Research, Development and Demonstration

Archived opportunityLast Updated: May 13, 2026

Description

After the 2011 Fukushima accident, in response to Congressional guidance, DOE-NE has supported an active ATF Program supporting development and commercialization of advance LWR fuel. The goal of this ATF development effort is to have one or more LWR advanced fuel concepts in commercial implementation in the United States by 2030. Toward that end several concepts are being pursued that involve either coating on existing LWR clad material or a new non-metallic type of cladding. The silicon-carbide ceramic matrix clad concept is an example of the latter.

The operational constraint on all ATF concepts is that they fit geometrically into existing LWRs, and, in comparison with standard LWR fuel, should be able to tolerate loss of active cooling in a severe accident for a considerably longer time period, and maintain or improve fuel performance during normal operations. Because of its non-metallic nature, silicon-carbide fiber, as used in the silicon-fiber ceramic matrix concept, has a potential to tolerate higher accident transient temperatures and thereby meet desired ATF safety enhancements. However, because this cladding concept is based on a woven fiber and not cast or drawn as in metal based concepts, it has significant manufacturing development hurdles that must also be addressed, such as in the joining of end cap material with tubular body in a way that does not compromise the finished fuel pin integrity.

The objectives of this FOA is to fund a project that will enhance of the chances for this concept to be successful toward meeting the ATF Program goal. Using the funds provided by the Congressional 2020 guidance, the successful applicant to this FOA, in cooperation with an existing U.S. utility, will affect an earlier near-term irradiation of its silicon-carbide ceramic matrix concept in an existing U.S. commercial reactor than would be possible under any existing program.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

Business

For-profit organizations other than small businesses
Small businesses

Additional information

All U.S. entities are eligible for award in accordance with 2 CFR 910.124 - Eligibility, provided they meet the Congressionally mandated criteria of being a participant in the industry-led teams under current Accident Tolerant Fuels agreements. This financial assistance award is also a “covered program” (as defined in 2 CFR 910.124(b)) and must be accomplished in the economic interest of the United States as stated in 2 CFR 910.124. Eligible entities include, but are not limited to, teams, consortia, or other partnership arrangements consisting of companies that meet the criteria of 2 CFR 910.124 (c) (1) – (2).In accordance with 2 CFR 910.126 (b) (1) – (2), Competition, eligibility of the prime applicant for award is restricted to for-profit entities, as defined in 2 CFR 910.350(b). Institutes of higher education; non-profits; state, local and tribal government entities; federal agencies and instrumentalities (other than DOE); foreign entities; non-profit consortia (incorporated or unincorporated); and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are not eligible to participate as a prime applicant. This restriction does not apply for these entities to become sub-recipients, sub-awardees, vendors, or team members of the prime/lead applicant.

Grantor contact information

Description

Mark Payne 208 526 3127

Email

paynemb@id.doe.gov

Documents

File name	Description	Last updated
FOA_Document_-_Amendment_002.pdf	Amendment 002	Oct 20, 2020 06:53 PM UTC
FOA_-_Silicon-Carbide_Ceramic_Matrix_Composite_Cladding_for_Nuclear_Fuels_Amendment_001.pdf	Amendment 001	Sep 14, 2020 09:19 PM UTC
FOA_-_Silicon-Carbide_Ceramic_Matrix_Composite_Cladding_for_Nuclear_Fuels.pdf	Silicon-Carbide Ceramic Matrix Composite Cladding for Nuclear Fuels	Jul 28, 2020 06:45 PM UTC

Link to additional information

Archived: November 21, 2020

Application process

This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates.

Award

$4,200,000

Program Funding

Expected awards

$--

Award Minimum

$5,250,000

Award Maximum

Funding opportunity number:

DE-FOA-0002308

Cost sharing or matching requirement:

Yes

Funding instrument type:

Cooperative agreement

Opportunity Category:

Discretionary

Opportunity Category Explanation:

Category of Funding Activity:

Energy

Opportunity zone benefits

Category Explanation:

History

Version:

Posted date:

July 28, 2020

Archive date:

November 21, 2020