Idaho test reactor likely to play pivotal role in U.S. nuclear power strategy
IDAHO NATIONAL LABORATORY, Idaho — A nuclear test reactor that can melt uranium fuel rods in seconds is running again after a nearly quarter-century shutdown as U.S. officials try to revamp a fading nuclear power industry with safer fuel designs and a new generation of power plants.
The reactor at the U.S. Energy Department’s Idaho National Laboratory has performed 10 tests on nuclear fuel since late last year.
“If we’re going to have nuclear power in this country 20 or 30 years from now, it’s going to be because of this reactor,” said J.R. Biggs, standing in front of the Transient Test Reactor he manages that in short bursts can produce enough energy to power 14 million homes.
The reactor was used to run 6,604 tests from 1959 to 1994, when it was put on standby as the United States started turning away from nuclear power amid safety concerns.
Read more: https://lmtribune.com/northwest/idaho-test-reactor-likely-to-play-pivotal-role-in-u/article_6f94400f-4e82-5cba-94a4-4310bd2cd7b6.html
Cross-posted in the Environment & Energy Group.