PRESS RELEASE: MBEF Lauds Latest Federal Grant Awarded to Mizzou Relating to SMR Research
JEFFERSON City, MO — Just yesterday, Senator Claire McCaskill announced a federal grant awarded to the University of Missouri to further develop the Small Modular Reactor industry in Missouri. The grant, totaling $1,842,977 provided by the Economic Development Administration and the Employment and Training Administration, will be used for research and planning, supporting Missouri manufacturers who engage in the clean-energy industry, specifically SMRs.
“This is a major achievement for the University of Missouri and our state as a whole. Mizzou’s academic credentials will be front and center on an international stage as this budding industry develops. The state of Missouri too could potentially see an economic boom, recharging our manufacturing base, positioning us to become a global leader developing, manufacturing and exporting SMRs,” said Irl Scissors, MBEF Executive Director.
“Missouri is uniquely qualified to support the design and construction of SMRs because of its state-of-the-art nuclear education programs, well-trained workforce and central geographic location with access to multiple modes of transportation.”
A report drafted last year by leading policy analyst James R. Moody stated that the SMR industry could have a $37 billion impact in Missouri, creating an additional 13,000 jobs in our state. “Locating an SMR facility in Missouri would be good for the Missouri economy and a long term positive for Missouri energy consumers,” stated Moody.
In her release, Senator McCaskill stated “This award to our flagship university is further evidence that Missouri is perfectly situated to lead the nation in the development of this important industry. Ultimately, we want our institutions of higher education to provide our state with opportunities and resources that can lead to job creation – and that’s exactly what I believe this grant will do.”
A Missouri collaboration including Ameren and Westinghouse remain in the hunt for a larger Department of Energy matching grant that would further advance the research and design of SMRs. We remain hopeful that Westinghouse and Missouri are chosen.
For more information about SMRs visit MBEF’s website at www.moenergyfuture.org. If you have questions, or would like to schedule an interview with Mr. Scissors, please email irl@moenergyfuture.org.
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