JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe recently approved $3 million for the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla to establish a small modular nuclear reactor science and development program.
Funded through the Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy, the initiative provides a unique opportunity to help meet the nation’s growing energy demand and to invest in programs that support education and workforce development within the nuclear science and engineering fields. The department’s funding announcement coincides with the Missouri Nuclear Summit, set for next week in Columbia.
“MoDNR is proud to be part of this groundbreaking investment,” said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “Missouri is already recognized as a pacesetter in nuclear science, engineering and medicine. The state is in an excellent position to continue leading the nation in developing cutting-edge nuclear technologies.”
Missouri’s initiative is consistent with recent federal actions to expand and advance the nation’s nuclear energy technologies, bolster baseload power generation to accommodate growing domestic demand and provide economic development opportunities across the United States.
“We are grateful to the state of Missouri for recognizing Missouri S&T as a premier university for nuclear energy research,” said Dr. Joseph Newkirk, chair and professor of Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science at Missouri S&T. “This investment will enable us to continue leading the way in planning and developing integrated energy systems using small modular reactors that are cleaner, smarter and more resilient. This support will accelerate our efforts to deliver meaningful advancements for communities here in Missouri and across the nation.”
To register for the Missouri Nuclear Summit on July 17 in Columbia, visit dnr.mo.gov/energy/what-are-we-doing/nuclear-summit.
To learn more about nuclear power, please visit dnr.mo.gov/energy or contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy at 573-751-2254 or toll-free at 855-522-2796.