It might surprise many people to learn that nearly every operating reactor in the world has technological roots in Idaho. The fact is, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), which was known as the National Reactor Testing Station in its early days, has been leading the way in nuclear energy research and development for more than 70 years.
INL consists of an 890-square-mile area in southeastern Idaho, as well as laboratories and administrative buildings located approximately 35 miles to the east in the city of Idaho Falls. For perspective, consider that the site is nearly the size of Rhode Island, albeit with far fewer people—much of the land is considered desert.
I had the chance to visit the lab in April and met with several of INL’s staff members. I came away thoroughly impressed by the site and its people.INL is one of 17 national labs in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) complex, and one of only 10 with multiprogram capabilities. INL is home to more than 5,700 researchers and support staff focused on innovations in nuclear research, renewable energy systems, and security solutions. The lab claims to serve as “the nation’s command center for advanced nuclear energy research, development, demonstration, and deployment.” INL is home to the “unparalleled Advanced Test Reactor” and associated assets for post-irradiation examination, fuel fabrication, materials testing, and development assets.
