As the U.S. Department of Energy announced plans Tuesday to invest more than $82 million toward advanced nuclear technologies, Secretary of Energy Dr. Ernest Moniz was visiting the Idaho National Laboratory near Arco, dubbed the nation’s leading center for nuclear energy research and development.

Moniz toured the lab’s advanced nuclear facilities and listened to those leading national research programs on Tuesday, according to INL officials.

He also discussed advancements in nuclear materials and reactors, bioenergy research and technology that supports national security, they said.

During his visit, Moniz told reporters that nuclear energy continues to be the biggest source of low-carbon electricity in the U.S.

“We remain committed to the innovation of nuclear as part of a low-carbon future,” he said.

The $82 million in awards that DOE announced Tuesday illustrates that commitment.

The funding will be used for nuclear energy research, facility access, crosscutting technology development and infrastructure in 28 states, according to a DOE news release.

“These awards provide funding for nuclear energy-related research through the Nuclear Energy University Program, Nuclear Science User Facilities, and Nuclear Energy Enabling Technology programs,” according to the news release. “In addition to financial support, a number of recipients will receive technical and regulatory assistance through the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) initiative.”

Moniz said $5.5 million of the funding will go toward infrastructure and research in Idaho.

Idaho State University, Boise State University, and the University of Idaho will all receive some of the funding.

DOE officials say funding will also go toward integrated and crosscutting research projects, Nuclear Science User Facilities access and public private partnerships.

“The awards announced today are part of a significant first set of actions to implement the GAIN initiative that was announced November 2015, which provides the nuclear energy community with access to the technical, regulatory, and financial support necessary to move new or advanced nuclear reactor designs toward commercialization while ensuring the continued safe, reliable, and economic operation of the existing nuclear fleet,” according to the news release.

As part of the GAIN initiative, DOE officials also announced on Monday that eight small businesses would receive up to $2 million for the Nuclear Energy Voucher pilot program.

Creare LLC out of Hanover, N.H., is one of the businesses that received a voucher. It proposes to investigate materials for continuous casting of metallic nuclear fuel, according to an INL news release. The INL will serve as the partner facility in that effort.