The US has awarded more than $5 million (£3.4m) to students who are studying courses related to nuclear energy.

Around 57 undergraduate scholarships and 33 graduate-level fellowships for students at American colleges and universities have received a share of the money.

The Department of Energy said it has awarded around $33 million (£22.7m) to more than 600 students for nuclear energy related scholarships and fellowships since 2009.

Ninety-eight percent of the students who have completed nuclear energy-related fellowships have subsequently pursued careers in the sector, the DoE added.

US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said: “Nuclear energy currently makes up 60% of the US non-carbon emitting energy portfolio. These awards will help our nation’s brightest students have the tools they need to ensure the US continues as a global leader in nuclear technology.”

In the UK, senior representatives from EDF are being asked to return to Parliament to explain the further delay in making a final investment decision on the Hinkley nuclear project.