The U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz announced the allocation of up to $40 million for four new Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs). These centers aim to expedite scientific breakthroughs crucial for the Department of Energy’s (DOE) environmental management and nuclear cleanup mission. The EFRCs will be led by Florida State University, Ohio State University, the University of South Carolina, and DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
The primary focus of these new EFRCs is basic research to aid in cleaning up hazardous waste generated from decades of nuclear weapons research and production during the 20th century. This endeavor is a core mission of the DOE and is expected to take several more decades to complete. The goal is to make fundamental advances in science that will enable safe, efficient, and cost-effective waste cleanup and storage technologies. Funded by DOE’s Office of Science, these centers support the work of DOE’s Office of Environmental Management.
“The four new EFRCs announced today lay the foundation for continuing success in our environmental cleanup efforts, which depend upon advances in innovative science and research technologies,” said Secretary Moniz. “As one of America’s most successful use-inspired basic research initiatives, the EFRC program can be counted on to further discoveries that will greatly enhance cleanup efforts and accomplish one of DOE’s core missions.”
The selection process for these centers was competitive, based on a comprehensive merit review process. Awards range from $2 million to $4 million per year for each center over up to four fiscal years. These awards are subject to available appropriations and a formal progress review after two years.
Since its establishment by the Department's Office of Science in 2009, the EFRC program has produced over 7,500 peer-reviewed scientific publications. It has laid groundwork for significant advances in areas such as solar energy, electrical energy storage, carbon capture and sequestration, materials chemistry by design, biosciences, and materials in extreme environments.
Research conducted by EFRCs has also benefited numerous companies, including start-ups, leading to hundreds of inventions at various stages of patenting. Each new center comprises a multi-institutional team with several university or national laboratory partners alongside the lead institution.
Further details about the EFRCs can be found HERE.
