The Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) is a one-of-a-kind scientific user facility capable of performing large-scale, fast-spectrum neutron irradiation tests and experiments simply not possible today. It will support research, development and demonstration of innovative nuclear energy technologies (with a focus on fuels, materials and sensors in representative environments) that can supply the world with abundant carbon-free energy. With the addition of VTR, the United States will again lead the world in nuclear energy research, safety and security while also supporting U.S. industry partners as they commercialize new technologies.

Why is U.S. leadership in nuclear energy important?

The United States has long been a leader in not only the research and development of nuclear energy technologies but also in the licensing, safety procedures, operations and security of nuclear power plants. Because of that, many other countries have based their nuclear operations and regulations on what we do in the United States. This has led to safer, more efficient operations of commercial nuclear power reactors around the world. Also, when other countries import and deploy U.S. nuclear energy technologies, a long-term strategic partnership is established with those countries for many decades to come.nnUsing new world-class scientific facilities such as VTR will enable the United States to lead the development and deployment of advanced reactor technologies

Can VTR be safely and quickly shut down?

Yes, the VTR is a sodium fast-reactor design that will use metallic fuel, which sits in a bath of a liquid metal (sodium) at atmospheric pressure. The design introduces safety features such as gravity and convection that allow passive cooling of the reactor after shutdown

When will VTR be built?

If final design and construction begin in 2023, VTR will be fully operational by the end of 2026, pending funding appropriations by Congress.

What is a test reactor? What will VTR do?

Test reactors are scientific research tools. They provide intense neutron fluxes that are used to simulate prototypical conditions or conduct accelerated neutron damage irradiation studies. Real-time measurements and subsequent post-irradiation examination techniques provide valuable information on how fuels, materials, components and instrumentation withstand the extreme conditions inside nuclear power plants and even future fusion reactors. This enables scientists and engineers to design safer, longer-lasting and more efficient fuels, materials and components for nuclear energy systems.

The Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) is a one-of-a-kind scientific user facility capable of performing large-scale, fast-spectrum neutron irradiation tests and experiments simply not possible today. It will support research, development and demonstration of innovative nuclear energy technologies (with a focus on fuels, materials and sensors in representative environments) that can supply the world with abundant carbon-free energy. With the addition of VTR, the United States will again lead the world in nuclear energy research, safety and security while also supporting U.S. industry partners as they commercialize new technologies.

Why is U.S. leadership in nuclear energy important?

The United States has long been a leader in not only the research and development of nuclear energy technologies but also in the licensing, safety procedures, operations and security of nuclear power plants. Because of that, many other countries have based their nuclear operations and regulations on what we do in the United States. This has led to safer, more efficient operations of commercial nuclear power reactors around the world. Also, when other countries import and deploy U.S. nuclear energy technologies, a long-term strategic partnership is established with those countries for many decades to come.nnUsing new world-class scientific facilities such as VTR will enable the United States to lead the development and deployment of advanced reactor technologies

Can VTR be safely and quickly shut down?

Yes, the VTR is a sodium fast-reactor design that will use metallic fuel, which sits in a bath of a liquid metal (sodium) at atmospheric pressure. The design introduces safety features such as gravity and convection that allow passive cooling of the reactor after shutdown

When will VTR be built?

If final design and construction begin in 2023, VTR will be fully operational by the end of 2026, pending funding appropriations by Congress.

What is a test reactor? What will VTR do?

Test reactors are scientific research tools. They provide intense neutron fluxes that are used to simulate prototypical conditions or conduct accelerated neutron damage irradiation studies. Real-time measurements and subsequent post-irradiation examination techniques provide valuable information on how fuels, materials, components and instrumentation withstand the extreme conditions inside nuclear power plants and even future fusion reactors. This enables scientists and engineers to design safer, longer-lasting and more efficient fuels, materials and components for nuclear energy systems.

Resources

The Versatile Test Reactor is the first new test reactor the U.S. Department of Energy has pursued in 30 years. Once operational, it will be a one-of-a-kind facility that can perform tests and research simply not possible with DOE’s other test reactors.

Here, you can learn more about the VTR, the partners contributing to its development and the importance of developing this scientific research capability in the U.S.

The Versatile Test Reactor is the first new test reactor the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has pursued in 30 years. Once operational, it will be a one-of-a-kind facility that can perform tests and research simply not possible with DOE’s other test reactors.

Here, you can learn more about the VTR, the partners contributing to its development and the importance of developing this scientific research capability in the U.S.

Contact:

Laura.Scheele@inl.gov

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