INL’s enduring mission: How high-flux thermal irradiation testing became a foundation for US nuclear leadership
Seventy-five years ago, the sweeping landscape of the Idaho desert over the Snake River Aquifer was a land of sagebrush, brown grass and lava rock. Today, the desert site facilities of Idaho National Laboratory are still home to sagebrush, brown grass and lava rock but also to of some of the world’s most cutting-edge nuclear […]
Celebrating a decade of innovation: The Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear
Ten years ago, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a landmark initiative to boost innovation in nuclear energy development by using the technical expertise of the nation’s energy laboratories. The department established Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) to act as the matchmaker that connects nuclear innovators to lab experts and capabilities. Lori Braase […]
Scientists cook up the perfect recipe to feed an energy future
After five years of trying to find the right ingredients, scientists at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) believe they have created the perfect recipe to fuel the world’s first critical fast-spectrum molten salt reactor. The Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE) at INL will test a new type of nuclear reactor that uses a mixture of […]
Fusion for the future: Nuclear lab plays key role in testing a crucial technology
A cutting-edge project to test “fusion blanket” technologies is taking shape, with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) leading the charge to create a critical component of a fusion reactor. This work is part of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) $107 million funding award to six research centers called Fusion Innovative Research Engine (FIRE) collaboratives. INL […]
Idaho National Laboratory seeks sponsor for innovation incubator to support technology commercialization
(IDAHO FALLS, Idaho) – The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking an industry sponsor to invest $5 million to $10 million in a privately funded innovation incubator. This program will combine the power of a national laboratory with private sector commercialization knowledge to unleash breakthrough innovations by finding and supporting promising startups in the areas […]
Real-time monitoring of advanced nuclear fuel now possible with new test bed
To meet energy demands and reestablish the nation’s energy dominance, U.S. companies are developing several types of advanced reactors. One type of advanced reactor, a molten salt reactor, uses fuels dissolved in molten salt coolants instead of the solid fuels used in traditional nuclear reactors. These reactors feature enhanced safety features and high temperatures, which […]
Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative: Ready, set, grow
GAIN and NASEO help states fast-track nuclear energy development Eleven governors and their state energy offices are putting out ready-for-business signs to advanced nuclear energy developers under an initiative that taps into experts at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) […]
Idaho and Trump Administration sign agreement to support US nuclear energy future
(IDAHO FALLS, Idaho) — The State of Idaho and the U.S. Department of Energy have agreed to a targeted waiver of the 1995 Settlement Agreement. The agreement established milestones to remove legacy waste at the Idaho National Laboratory site while allowing nuclear energy research and development at the lab. The waiver will enable critical research […]
Idaho researchers collaborate with US company to develop novel nuclear fuel to preserve, improve today’s reactors
Father and son entrepreneurs Mehul and Milan Shah have patented a new nuclear fuel design that could reduce nuclear waste, enhance safety and lower costs for today’s pressurized heavy water reactors. The Shahs — CEO and chief operating officer, respectively, of Clean Core Thorium Energy, along with chief technology officer Paul Chan — combined thorium with […]
Western states forge alliance with nation’s nuclear lab on advanced energy development
The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is the hub of collaboration among Western states to advance nuclear energy. This effort, anchored in legislative frameworks, strategic investments, collaborations and partnerships, is positioning the region as a leader in nuclear innovation. The Mountain West is particularly well-suited for advanced nuclear energy due to its growing energy needs and […]
