Nuclear Energy Archives - Idaho National Laboratory

TETI 2.0: Understanding nuclear fuel behavior at the atomic level

September 25, 2023 7:55 am

Transporting heat is an essential part of our daily life – from boiling a pot of water to creating complex carbon-free energy technologies that power our cellphones, laptops and home appliances. Nuclear energy, an example of heat transfer, has a proven track record spanning over 70 years. It currently provides approximately 20% of the total electric energy generation in the

Idaho National Laboratory engages with Arctic communities at global assembly

September 18, 2023 7:43 am

Idaho National Laboratory’s Frontiers Initiative will take center stage when climate scientists and policymakers from around the world convene at the 2023 Arctic Circle Assembly in October in Iceland. University partners and defense experts with INL-led Emerging Energy Markets Analysis (EMA) initiative will participate in panel discussions. They’ll highlight their work on the INL Frontiers Initiative, which is enabling global

Researchers irradiate chloride-based molten salt in first-of-a-kind experiment

September 12, 2023 8:54 am

For decades, light-water nuclear power plants have provided safe, reliable carbon-free energy in the United States and around the world. But in the early days of nuclear energy research, light-water reactors were just one of several promising reactor types. Nuclear energy pioneers also designed and tested high-temperature reactor technologies that use gas, liquid metal and molten salt as coolants. One

Big brake for small business: Sintering tech could make rotors 90% cheaper and faster

August 28, 2023 6:48 am

The race car driver careens around the track, narrowly missing the walls along the side. They make the turn expertly and quickly and slide across the finish line, wheels squealing as they hit the brakes. Excited spectators in the audience probably don’t realize that those brakes are able to operate seamlessly around tight turns and high speeds because of silicon

Idaho technologies clinch five R&D 100 Awards

August 22, 2023 1:20 pm

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – Five Idaho National Laboratory technologies earned five 2023 R&D 100 Awards – marking another triumphant year for the laboratory. The competition, now in its 61st year, celebrates technology innovations from across the public and private sectors. Winning an award is a prestigious distinction for inventors. Laboratories and companies from 12 countries submitted nominations in 2023, and

A FORCE to be reckoned with: Computer modeling for optimal energy partnerships

August 21, 2023 7:13 am

Imagine modern computing as the conductor of an orchestra. Just as a conductor brings harmony to a complex musical arrangement, modern computing is crucial to harmonizing the intricate mix of energy producers and users, optimizing the use of precious resources for the greater good. One strategy for establishing that harmony would pair the nuclear energy industry with other utilities and

Watching trends: How INL helps the NRC model risk and reliability

August 14, 2023 7:57 am

Since the 1990s, Idaho National Laboratory has helped the Nuclear Regulatory Commission understand the safety and reliability of all U.S. nuclear power plants. Supporters of nuclear energy tout the safety and reliability of nuclear power, and data supports their claims. According to detailed studies, nuclear power accounts for 0.03 deaths per terawatt-hour of electricity generated, when including both accidents and

Hold on! Did you know that microreactors were field deployed over 60 years ago?

August 7, 2023 8:17 am

Microreactors hold promise for the future of nuclear power, but they are also part of our past. There is a growing interest in alternatives to carbon-based power sources, particularly in remote locations where fuel is expensive, and supplies are difficult to secure throughout the year. An Idaho National Laboratory U.S. Department of Energy Microreactor Program report noted there are around

Mobile supercomputer of the future: INL researchers explore connecting data centers to microgrids, microreactors

July 27, 2023 1:28 pm

Roughly 30,000 data centers dot the landscape in the United States and Europe. These computer facilities serve functions as varied as modeling and simulation, cloud-based applications, artificial intelligence and weather forecasting. They are the brains of search engines and social media platforms, and they help engineers design the automobiles and airplanes of the future. In short, data centers form the

Global learning collaboration: International researchers, visitors connect at INL

July 10, 2023 6:53 am

Idaho National Laboratory’s International Researcher and Visitor Program drives cross-cultural exchange and promotes collaboration with worldwide scientists and academia inspiring creativity within INL’s scientific community. This program has enabled INL to bring several distinguished researchers and scientists to the lab to participate in vital programs and projects. For several years, Idaho National Laboratory has partnered with Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Category: Nuclear Energy