The US is investing more than $60 million (£37.8m) in nuclear energy research.

The Energy Department has selected 68 projects from different universities with nuclear programmes across the country.

Four projects, which will include UK researchers, will receive £1.7 million. It is been provided by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the UK’s main agency for funding research in engineering and the physical sciences.

The Energy Department hopes the projects will create scientific advances to help strengthen the nation’s energy security and reduce greenhouse emissions.

Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said: “I remain convinced that nuclear energy will continue to be an important part of the nation’s energy portfolio, accounting for more than 60% of carbon-free electricity in the United States today.

“These awards provide essential funding for nuclear energy-related research and thereby support the long term health of our domestic nuclear energy industry.”