Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority grant program opens
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 2, 2025) — The Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority (KNEDA) has launched a request for proposals (RFP) for Kentucky communities, companies and organizations interested in applying for those funds.
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.
KNEDA invites proposals for projects that contribute to both the technological advancement and economic development of Kentucky’s nuclear energy sector. This RFP seeks proposals that will drive job creation, regional economic development, workforce training, public health and safety and sustainability through nuclear energy innovation.
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.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.