As the United States progresses toward a reliable energy future, nuclear power will be a crucial component. INL’s cutting-edge research is making nuclear energy more affordable and versatile.
We’re focused on providing effective tools to address energy challenges while ensuring the safety of our citizens.
INL is at the forefront of the nation’s research in advanced nuclear energy technology. Our scientists and engineers study reactors and materials that improve efficiency across all energy sources and help us explore new worlds.
Research Highlights
INL in the News | Nuclear Energy
GAIN and NASEO help states fast-track nuclear energy development Eleven governors and their state energy...Read More >
To meet energy demands and reestablish the nation’s energy dominance, U.S. companies are developing several...Read More >
(IDAHO FALLS, Idaho) – The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking an industry sponsor to...Read More >
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nuclear energy safe?
Nuclear energy is safe. Statistics show that nuclear energy is one of the safest forms of energy production. INL and other organizations are working on advanced nuclear reactor technologies that have passive safety features. This means they prevent accidents using the natural laws of physics without the need for electronics or human intervention. Nuclear options present a safe alternative to traditional energy sources and complement their variable production.
How does a nuclear reactor work?
What is the future of nuclear energy?
The nuclear energy industry is pursuing a wide range of new systems that will be demonstrated within the next decade. These reactors use materials and technologies that allow for the reactors to be smaller, more flexible and operate at higher temperatures. These higher temperatures result in more efficient electricity generation and heat for industrial processes, along with reduced costs.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program is offering cost-shared partnerships with industry to support the development and demonstration of advanced reactors.
What is nuclear energy’s relationship to other energy sources?
What is a user facility?
A user facility is a federally designated facility that can be used by anyone to advance science. A panel of experts evaluates proposals, selects research of value and assigns time in the facility. If the research findings are made public, the facility is free to use.
INL runs three user facilities, including the Nuclear Science User Facilities, which support universities, national laboratories and industry.
What is a microreactor?
What is a test reactor?
Test reactors are scientific instruments used to research and develop new materials. Test reactors are high-powered versions of research reactors, operated at DOE laboratories, and they are essential for ensuring the safe performance of advanced fuels and materials that will be used in commercial nuclear reactors, and in our nuclear Navy fleet. Scientists use test reactors to subject specimens to high levels of neutrons to safely determine how materials will stand up to long-term radiation exposure. INL maintains the world’s most powerful and flexible test reactors, including the Advanced Test Reactor and the Transient Reactor Test Facility. A new Versatile Test Reactor is under development to expand the nation’s nuclear material testing capabilities.
What can nuclear reactors do besides produce power for the electrical grid?
Since reactors produce large quantities of heat, they can provide energy for other purposes like hydrogen production, water purification and delivering heat to help decarbonize certain industries.
Nuclear fission also plays a role in space exploration. INL has provided five different radioisotope power sources to NASA spacecraft, including the power source for NASA’s Mars Perseverance rover. And INL is involved in the development of space fission power systems that will support future missions.
What is a small modular reactor?
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