Ky Nuclear Energy Development Authority seeks RFPs for grants of up to $2M – Lane Report

KNEDA was established by the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly and was attached to the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) for administrative purposes.

By Dave Melanson, UKnow

SB 179 passed in the 2025 session of the Kentucky General Assembly directs $10 million in existing UK funds to create the Nuclear Energy Development Grant Program. In 2017 the General Assembly lifted the state’s long-running moratorium against nuclear power.

KNEDA invites proposals for projects that contribute to both the technological advancement and economic development of Kentucky’s nuclear energy sector. Its RFP seeks proposals that will drive job creation, regional economic development, workforce training, and sustainability through nuclear energy innovation.

KNEDA encourages proposals from organizations and partnerships that align with Kentucky’s energy goals and broader economic development strategies, especially those aimed at nuclear ready
communities, underserved or economically distressed regions. Multiple awards, totaling $8 Million
dollars, may be made.

Proposals from organizations and partnerships that align with Kentucky’s energy goals and broader economic development strategies, especially those aimed at nuclear ready communities, underserved or economically distressed regions are encouraged.

The KNEDA grant RFP is open for submissions on UK’s procurement opportunities website. The full RFP document (UK-2561-26) contains details of the preproposal meeting as well as information on eligibility, proposal format and submission requirements. Access the RFP on this website: https://purchasing.uky.edu/bid-and-proposal-opportunities.

“KNEDA seeks to develop nuclear energy-related projects to support the entire nuclear energy ecosystem in the Commonwealth, including utility and private sector economic development activities,” said Rodney Andrews, chair of KNEDA and CAER director.

Total funding of each project funded during this round of grants cannot exceed $2 million. The deadline to submit grants is Oct. 31. Complete project details can be found in the full RFP document.