The Department of Energy said Thursday it is providing $6.3 million worth of financial help to students pursuing nuclear energy-related degrees at 39 colleges and universities.
The funding supports 124 scholarships and fellowships through DOE’s University Nuclear Leadership Program, the agency said in a news release. DOE called the move important to the next generation of nuclear workers as the administration of President Joe Biden pursues a “net-zero economy by 2050,” according to the release.
The term refers to an International Energy Association scenario in which the global energy sector reaches net zero carbon-dioxide emissions by mid-century.
Since 2009, more than 1,100 scholarships and fellowships totaling more than $67 million have been issued through DOE’s University Nuclear Leadership Program, according to the release. About 95% of students who completed nuclear energy-related fellowships have started careers at DOE’s national labs, other government agencies, private companies or continued to advance their education.