An international resurgence of female representation in nuclear
Women played an instrumental role in shaping the field of nuclear science. Nobel Prize-winner Marie Curie was part of a team that discovered radioactivity. Katharine Way, a leading scientist on the Manhattan Project, analyzed and interpreted foundational nuclear data. Physicist Chien-Shiung Wu tested and disproved a widely accepted atomic science theory. Despite these historical contributions, […]
Nuclear energy experts train researchers to meet future nonproliferation challenges
As nuclear energy is increasingly recognized as a vital component of the clean energy transition, American companies have answered the call with dozens of new reactor and fuel designs. But the nation’s nuclear energy industry is facing a decline in skilled workers to build and operate these technologies. Without action, the U.S. stands to lose […]
Commercial shipment marks big step for safer, more efficient nuclear fuels
After two decades, laboratory reopens for spent fuel testing On a chilly December evening in eastern Idaho, a semi-tractor trailer truck pulls off the desert highway and up to the gate at the Department of Energy’s Materials and Fuels Complex. The truck and the small, gray shipping container that sits on its trailer appear unremarkable. […]
Tracking radioactive source recovery: New Cesium Irradiator Replacement Project Dashboard
People often think of radiation as the basis for carbon-free nuclear power. But radiation can also save lives. That’s especially true in hospitals where professionals use nuclear medicine to make diagnoses, treat medical conditions and sterilize equipment. One such medical treatment includes radioisotopes in irradiators used to treat donated blood to prevent graft-versus-host disease. The […]
Commercial advanced nuclear fuel arrives in Idaho for testing
For the first time in two decades, Idaho National Laboratory, the nation’s nuclear energy laboratory, has received a shipment of used next-generation light water reactor fuel from a commercial nuclear power plant to support research and testing. In December, INL received 25 experimental fuel rods irradiated in the reactor core of a commercial reactor. The […]
Miss America visits to talk STEM, nuclear engineering, self-confidence
When it comes to inspiring young American girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math – STEM – is anyone better suited to the task than … um … Miss America? Oh yeah, you’d better believe it. For her last appearance wearing the crown and sash, Miss America 2023 Grace Stanke visited Idaho […]
Going digital: Idaho students, engineers demonstrate first nuclear reactor digital twin
Idaho National Laboratory researchers and Idaho State University (ISU) nuclear engineering students developed the world’s first nuclear reactor digital twin — a virtual replica of ISU’s AGN-201 reactor — in a campus collaboration last August. Digital twins are virtual models of real-life assets, such as complex infrastructure, machines or buildings. By modeling nuclear reactors, digital […]
DOE offers big advantages to clean energy developers with proposed leases at Idaho site
As the United States moves toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the nation will need a broad mix of clean energy projects to carry the load. To build these projects, developers must overcome any number of challenges including financing, siting and environmental regulations. Now, the Department of Energy (DOE) is helping developers eliminate some of […]
U.S. researchers fabricate commercial grade uranium dioxide HALEU fuel
As the world clamors for carbon-free power, U.S. nuclear reactor developers have responded with a multitude of advanced reactor designs. These reactors would produce efficient, flexible heat and electricity. Nuclear energy from light water reactors already ranks among the safest forms of energy production, and most advanced reactors will use safety systems that rely on […]
Idaho National Laboratory to play a key role in Midwest hydrogen hub
As the United States works to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, different energy sectors will require different solutions. Renewables and nuclear energy will help decarbonize electricity production, and the light-duty transportation sector will reduce emissions primarily by switching to electric vehicles. Natural gas will continue to displace coal-fired power plants as carbon capture and […]
If you build a test facility, developers will come
In the classic baseball film “Field of Dreams,” Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) builds a baseball field in the middle of an Iowa cornfield, adhering to ghostly whispers that if he builds it “he” will come. Borrowing from the same script, the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) is now designing and constructing two fields, in the […]
Celebrating 20 Years of Preparing U.S., Partners for Radiological Response
Programmatic growth can sometimes involve seeking new customers, but this has not been the case for Idaho National Laboratory’s Nuclear/Radiological Search and Response Training (N/RSRT) program, which turns 20 this year. Starting with a few training events in March 2003, the program has grown organically to the point where it now conducts year-round training for […]
Key nuclear modeling and simulation software releases new version
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Idaho National Laboratory has released the latest version of RELAP5-3D, a versatile modeling and simulation tool that predicts complex phenomena happening inside a nuclear reactor. This update is the first RELAP5-3D code release in five years. This latest version of RELAP5-3D is part of INL’s integrated computational strategy for accelerating clean […]
International experts review Idaho’s Neutron Radiography Reactor
In early June a group of experts from around the world gathered at Idaho National Laboratory to complete an Integrated Research Reactor Utilization Review on the Neutron Radiography Reactor (NRAD). This review of one of INL’s lesser-known reactors helps researchers and management support strategic planning for NRAD. Neutron radiography is a technique used to study […]
Future of mining is microreactors: Idaho National Laboratory sees big benefits
Powering a remote zinc mine located roughly 600 miles northwest of Anchorage, Alaska, is a Herculean task. Governments and industry have taken a particular interest in remote arctic mining locations, not only because of the region’s vast mineral resources, but also because of shipping routes that are opening through the ice due to climate change. […]
TETI 2.0: Understanding nuclear fuel behavior at the atomic level
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 […]
Idaho National Laboratory engages with Arctic communities at global assembly
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 […]
Researchers irradiate chloride-based molten salt in first-of-a-kind experiment
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 […]
Big brake for small business: Sintering tech could make rotors 90% cheaper and faster
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 […]
Idaho technologies clinch five R&D 100 Awards
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 […]