INL to lead new research project
The Idaho National Laboratory has been selected to lead development of a Versatile Fast Neutron Test Reactor (VTR). Energy Secretary Rick Perry said the VTR is one of the foundational projects specified in the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act of 2017.
According to a Department of Energy news release, the testing capability will help the United States meet its goal for advanced nuclear reactor technology development. It will allow testing of advanced nuclear fuels, materials, instrumentation, and sensors.
DOE said VTR would help it modernize the nation’s essential nuclear energy infrastructure. Perry announced the program in a joint press conference with International Energy Agency Executive Director Dr. Faith Birol.
“The Versatile Test Reactor is a key step to implementing President Trump’s direction to revitalize and expand the U.S. nuclear industry,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry. “This cutting edge Advanced Reactor will give American companies the ability they currently lack to conduct advanced technology and fuels tests without having to go to our competitors in Russia and China.”
In a statement, Idaho National Laboratory Director Mark Peters said, “U.S. test reactors and user facilities are one reason the United States has maintained an international leadership role in nuclear energy research and development. We currently do not have the fast neutron spectrum research facilities in the U.S. necessary to enable a robust future for advanced reactors. DOE’s announcement about the versatile test reactor project is the first important milestone in establishing this capability, and prioritizes investment in this user facility that will serve the science community, industry, regulators and the future of nuclear energy research and innovation.”
The U.S. has not had a fast neutron spectrum testing facility for over 20 years. As a result, DOE said the county does not have the ability to conduct the types of accelerated irradiation testing needed to develop non-light water reactor concepts.
Department of Energy officials said there are a lot of companies working on next-generation reactors and having the capability for testing is critical to re-establishing the country as a global leader in advanced reactor technologies.
