In 2017, DOE announced nearly $67 million in grants awarded towards advanced nuclear energy research from a series of funding programs, including $37 million to support university-led nuclear energy research, $11 million towards three Integrated Research Projects, $6 million in research towards advanced sensors, manufacturing methods, and materials. Congressional appropriations for fiscal year 2019 approved $1.33 billion in funding for DOE’s nuclear energy research, development and deployment programs, an increase of $121 million over fiscal 2018, including $323.5 million in funding for DOE’s Reactor Concepts Research and Development program, an increase of $86.5 million in 2019. This includes programs such as advanced reactors and light water reactor sustainability. Throughout 2018-19, DOE announced funding selectees for multiple domestic advanced nuclear technology projects under the FOA U.S. Industry Opportunities for Advanced Nuclear Technology Development, totaling $195 million in funding. The first group was announced on April 27, 2018, the second group on July 10, 2018, the third group on November 13, 2018, the fourth group on March 27, 2019, the fifth group on May 23, 2019, and the sixth group on September 10, 2019.