Eight states are developing economic development plans focused on advanced nuclear energy deployment with the help from Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Frontiers Initiative.
Frontiers was established in 2021 to help stakeholders identify and capitalize on key economic opportunities afforded by early adoption of advanced nuclear energy. The initiative also helps stakeholders leverage advanced nuclear to capture emerging global market opportunities in low-emission industries.
The 2024 Frontiers Initiative Impacts Report, released today, highlights the initiative’s impacts on first-mover states identified as actively pursuing advanced nuclear energy to encourage economic development.
“We have strengthened our partnerships with stakeholders in first-mover states – Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Alaska – while adding engagements where increasing interest in advanced nuclear energy intersects industry needs, including in Louisiana, Montana, North Dakota and South Carolina,” said Steven Aumeier, senior advisor at INL.
Key successes outlined in the report include:
- Assisted with the development of a Nuclear Energy Strategic Framework in Wyoming, Idaho and Louisiana.
- Expanded members in the Frontiers Initiative’s consortium, which includes participation from academia and the public and private sectors.
- Communicated how advanced nuclear energy can be used as an international strategic partnership tool for U.S. Department of Defense representatives from the Defense Innovation Unit, Army Special Operations Command and Southern Command.
- Consulted with the National Mining Association and several of its state members.
The report includes comments from stakeholders and collaborators in academia, government and industry.
“Idaho National Laboratory’s Frontiers Initiative has been a game changer, enabling state and local governments to chart a path forward to clean energy solutions,” said Joshua Parker, director of business development for BWXT Advanced Technologies.
Mike Wandler of Wyoming Innovative Entrepreneurs and CEO of L&H Industrial Inc. agreed. “I am pleased to extend our heartfelt support and appreciation for the significant impact Frontiers has made on the nuclear energy-driven economic development in Wyoming,” he said.
To view the full report, click here.
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