The US is providing $13 million (£8m) for nuclear energy research and development projects that support advanced reactor technologies.

Five companies will team up with universities and research institutions to address technical challenges to the design, construction and operation of next-generation nuclear reactors.

It is part of the Department of Energy’s programme, launched last year, to partner with industry in developing reactors that have the potential to achieve “significant advances” in safety, efficiency and economics.

Companies that will share the cash include AREVA, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, General Atomics and Westinghouse Electric Company.

Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said: “This type of public-private research in advanced nuclear reactors will help accelerate American leadership in the next generation of nuclear energy technologies and move the United States closer to a low carbon future.”