Albuquerque – The Department of Energy announced Friday that Sandia National Laboratories has been selected for a $3.38 million grant under the ARPA‑E HORNIG program. The funding will support a new analytical platform, called TRU‑Path, designed to evaluate safety, nuclear safeguards, cost and production challenges associated with manufacturing advanced reactor fuels at commercial scale.
Why the grant matters for New Mexico and the nation
Sandia’s work focuses on fuels made from materials recovered from used nuclear fuel and other sources. By developing a robust safety and security framework for recycling transuranic fuel, the project aims to help the United States move toward the “safest and most secure energy solutions,” according to Sandia Deputy Laboratories Director Deborah Frincke.
“This project is purpose‑driven to look at what brings the nation the safest and most secure energy solutions,” Frincke said in a news release. “Sandia’s role focuses on designing a safety and security framework for recycling transuranic fuel and leverages our long history of nuclear research.”
Federal goals and timeline
BRANDON WILLIAMS, the DOE undersecretary for nuclear security, explained that eight projects were selected under the HORNIG program, which can allocate up to $50 million for promising research. He noted that the program also seeks to shorten the development and qualification timeline for new nuclear fuels, a process that currently can take more than a decade.
Williams added that the grant will help accelerate the transition from laboratory concepts to practical, commercial‑scale production, positioning the United States to compete globally in next‑generation nuclear technology.
Local impact and safeguards
While the research will be conducted at Sandia’s facilities in Albuquerque, Frincke emphasized that no nuclear material will be brought to the city for the study. The work will rely on modeling, simulation and analytical testing to assess the behavior of advanced fuels without handling actual radioactive material on site.
The grant also brings economic benefits to the region. The funding supports high‑skill jobs for scientists, engineers and support staff, reinforcing Albuquerque’s reputation as a hub for cutting‑edge energy research.
What’s next for TRU‑Path
Over the coming months, Sandia researchers will develop the analytical platform, run safety assessments, and produce cost models that can inform future commercial reactors. The outcomes are expected to guide policymakers, industry partners and the broader scientific community as the nation pursues cleaner, more resilient power sources.
By investing in advanced nuclear fuel research, the Trump administration continues its commitment to energy independence, national security and economic growth, while upholding the highest standards of safety and stewardship.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
