KNOXVILLE (AP) — The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded the University of Tennessee up to $1.3 million in grants for nuclear energy research and development.

The university is getting $846,000 to develop new and advanced reactor designs. Another $538,000 is for research on innovative nuclear science and engineering projects.

UT was among 31 universities in more than 20 states to receive such grants. In all, 51 awards were announced. The various projects are designed to cut carbon pollution, create clean energy jobs and strengthen the nuclear energy industry.