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 […]
Idaho National Laboratory and Colorado School of Mines expand research partnership
Idaho National Laboratory and Colorado School of Mines have agreed to expand their joint efforts in scientific research for the next five years. A memorandum of understanding signed in late October establishes a framework for both institutions to collaborate on projects involved with energy storage, high-temperature fuel cells, geothermal energy systems, nuclear fuel cycle and […]
INL at 75: Early impacts on Idaho Falls community
In Idaho Falls’ 159-year history, it would be hard to dispute the importance of May 18, 1949. That’s the day the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) announced the city as the location for its National Reactor Testing Station headquarters. In type size normally reserved for events like Pearl Harbor or Kennedy’s assassination, the Post Register’s […]
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 […]
Lab’s FY-23 licenses outnumber previous year
Idaho National Laboratory researchers love seeing their technologies at work in the marketplace, bolstering the nation’s economy, energy industry and communities. “It’s a win for America because these technologies provide much-needed solutions to enhance our everyday lives and keep us ahead of the global competition,” said Jason Stolworthy, INL Technology Transitions director. “That’s truly when […]
Under the sea: INL supporting effort to repurpose ocean plastics as blended biofuel feedstocks
Perhaps one of the most ubiquitous and powerful images of the ongoing pollution crisis is that of plastic floating in the ocean or littered across once-paradisiacal sandy beaches. The plastic has grown the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and microplastics found in fish lead to significant health problems and earlier deaths for impacted marine life. These […]
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 […]
The proof is in the software
United States’ policymakers, auto manufacturers, energy companies and ultimately citizens are investing trillions of dollars into electrifying vehicles. The purpose is to increase new electric vehicle sales to more than 50% of total sales by 2030, helping reduce the nation’s carbon emissions. Now that the money is being spent on research and development, consumer incentives, […]
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 […]
EBR-I open for limited hours on Wednesday, Dec. 20
Looking for a winter day trip? Experimental Breeder Reactor I, located 50 miles west of Idaho Falls on U.S. 20, will be open to the public Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 10 a.m-3 p.m. There is no cost for the tour. This year, a free bus from Idaho Falls will be available for the first 50 people […]
INL’s sustainable success: Cutting energy use and generating multi-million dollar savings before net-zero
On Earth Day of 2021, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) announced an ambitious plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2031. At INL, reaching net-zero is a monumental task. The laboratory is essentially a small city that includes roughly 900 square miles of facilities, 600 vehicles, 320 buildings and 6,000 employees. Reducing, capturing or offsetting all […]
2023 Year in Review
As 2023 comes to an end, we want to showcase many groundbreaking accomplishments carried out by our talented workforce at Idaho National Laboratory. INL is one of 17 national labs in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) complex, and home to more than 6,100 researchers and support staff focused on innovations in nuclear research, integrated […]
ChargeX Consortium recommends common EV charging station error codes
New shared language will facilitate faster service, improve EV user experience The National Charging Experience Consortium (ChargeX) has released a report that recommends 26 common electric vehicle (EV) charging error codes to enable faster error reporting, diagnostics and resolution within the EV charging industry. Ultimately, the codes would improve the U.S. charging experience. The ChargeX […]
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 […]
Researchers with multiple R&D 100 Awards share their secrets
Whether it’s Edward Jenner, whose development of vaccines has likely saved billions of lives, or Marie Curie, whose theory of radioactivity helped unlock the mysteries of the atom, develop radiation therapy for cancer and create a carbon-free power source for the future, few endeavors wield as much power to change lives as that of the […]
Idaho National Laboratory opens 2024 Bright Future in Energy Scholarship competition
Idaho National Laboratory is pleased to announce the opening of the 2024 Bright Future in Energy Scholarship competition. The program is open to 11th- and 12th-grade students interested in pursuing a postsecondary education and career focused on science, technology, engineering or math. With funding provided by Battelle Energy Alliance, the lab expects to award a […]
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 […]
INL opens application period for 2024 K-12 education grants
Idaho National Laboratory has opened the application period for its STEM grants. INL will award grants on behalf of Battelle Energy Alliance, which operates the lab for the U.S. Department of Energy. INL cultivates Idaho’s education landscape by leveraging partnerships and resources to grow science, technology, engineering and math opportunities for all. The program seeks […]