The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced funding worth $24m (£18m) for nuclear research and development.

The programme will support 10 projects to develop advanced reactor technologies.

They will have access to DOE’s modelling and simulation resources and will be able to regularly co-ordinate with experts from across the department and its national laboratories.

Projects such as gas-cooled nuclear reactors and safe reactor control technologies will be explored to achieve lower construction and operation costs, enhance safety and increase competitiveness of nuclear power.

US Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said: “Nuclear energy is an essential component of the US energy mix and by teaming up with the private sector to reduce costs and improve safety, we are keeping America ahead of the curve in advanced reactor design and technology.”

The UK Government recently started formal negotiations with Japanese firm Hitachi for a proposed new nuclear plant in Wales and said it is considering using taxpayers’ money to invest in the project.