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Dispatches from Juneau: The State Office Building and micro nuclear reactors

Dr. Steven Aumeier, with Idaho National Laboratory’s Energy and Environment Science and Technology (EEST) Directorate, recently led a presentation to the Idaho Senate Resources Committee on the history – and the future – of nuclear reactors, which are gradually shrinking to the size of a few trailers worth of gear.

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INL sees market for microreactors in some US states : New Nuclear – World Nuclear News

There is high market potential for microreactors in US states with energy-intensive industries, nuclear-friendly laws and widespread social acceptance, according to a new report by Idaho National Laboratory-led Emerging Energy Markets Analysis.

National lab helps Wyoming explore nuclear energy frontier – INL

In a memorandum of understanding signed on May 4, 2022, Idaho National Laboratory and the State of Wyoming agreed to collaborate on developing capacity, insight and technology applications for advanced nuclear energy in Wyoming. One year later, the collaboration is paying dividends.

Micronuclear Reactors Could Be The Next Big Thing For Wyoming, And US, Industry

During a presentation at the Wyoming Energy Authority’s New Frontier Energy Summit, Erik Nygaard, director of product development of BWXT Advanced Technologies, said the company has built 400 nuclear reactors that supply power for U.S. aircraft carriers and submarines, now it wants to expand to use that technology for industry.

New study examines US markets for microreactors – INL

Developers seeking to deploy advanced nuclear reactors can find high market potential in states with energy-intensive industries, nuclear-friendly laws, and widespread social acceptance – factors outlined in a new report by researchers at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). inl.gov

In the News

TerraPower selects Kemmerer, Wyoming as the preferred site for advanced reactor demonstration plant

November 16, 2021

TerraPower today announced Kemmerer, Wyoming as the preferred site for the Natrium™ reactor demonstration project, which is a TerraPower and GE-Hitachi technology, and is one of two competitively-selected advanced reactor demonstration projects (ARDP) supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The company selected the Kemmerer location, near the Naughton Power Plant, following an extensive evaluation process and meetings with community members and leaders.

Eielson AFB Announced as Site for Air Force Micro-Reactor Pilot

October 15, 2021

The Department of the Air Force has selected Eielson Air Force Base (AFB) to pilot its first micro-reactor. The next-generation energy capability will provide the installation with a clean, reliable, and resilient nuclear energy supply technology for critical national security infrastructure.

The micro-reactor pilot was initiated in response to the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act requirement to identify potential locations to site, construct, and operate a micro-reactor by the end of 2027. The micro-reactor will be commercially owned and operated and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensed.