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 […]
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 […]
Breaking through the noise: WSComm’s revolution in spectrum sharing
In today’s hyperconnected world, wireless communication faces a critical challenge known as the “spectrum crunch.” Spectrum crunch results from more devices vying for limited frequencies, creating an overcrowded radio frequency spectrum — a bottleneck that disrupts communication. Spectrum crunch threatens not only everyday conveniences like cellphone connectivity but also essential services, such as emergency response […]
Hardening the grid: Research team focuses on quake proofing transformer bushings
Keeping the nation’s lights on is no small job. The grid we take for granted involves large, expensive equipment, most notably power transformers. If one goes down, it can take more than a year to replace and at massive costs. In heavily populated, seismically active areas like California or the Pacific Northwest, time is not […]
Water resiliency at Camp Buehring: INL’s innovative water reclamation system
Camp Buehring, a United States military base nestled in northern Kuwait just 20 miles from the Iraqi border, faces a challenge: there are no wells, rivers or other easily accessible sources of water. In this arid region, water is a precious commodity. Soldiers rely on trucks to deliver the water they need for showers, drinking […]
Streamlining hydropower development: New tech catalog simplifies decision making for utilities
When constructing or updating a hydropower facility, operators face a daunting array of turbine technology choices. The wrong decision can lead to costly delays and reduced profits, while choosing the right technology can boost efficiency, cut costs and reduce development timelines. To help hydropower operators and developers make informed decisions, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), […]
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) […]
INL-Boise State partnership provides SUPER opportunities in advanced manufacturing research
While Joy Morin was an undergraduate intern at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), she discovered her interest in developing nuclear fuels and technology. Her mentor recommended she pursue a graduate degree at Boise State University in materials and engineering to continue her research. Morin is now a graduate fellow and part of an INL-Boise State […]
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 […]
Engineering resilience: University of Pittsburgh sabbatical at national lab helps strengthen America’s critical infrastructure
Everyday life depends on a robust infrastructure network that provides access to running water, communications technology and electricity, among other basic necessities. The experts who keep our national infrastructure secure and resilient also need a strong network to share their knowledge and train the next generation of professionals capable of solving complex infrastructure challenges. This […]