Site chosen for ISU’s Advanced Research and Test Reactor Project
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The following is a news release from Idaho State University.
POCATELLO — One of the world’s most advanced nuclear reactors will soon be built on Idaho State University’s Pocatello campus.
In April, the Department of Energy selected Idaho State University for the Department’s Nuclear Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) Launch Pad USA program. Through a partnership with Idaho Falls-based NuCube Energy, Inc., the University plans to design and commission the Advanced Research and Test Reactor, a functional microreactor at ISU’s Business and Research Park.
Unlike commercial nuclear power plants, research reactors are not designed to generate electricity for the electrical grid. To maximize research flexibility, the Advanced Test and Research Reactor will provide direct access to heat rather than include a power conversion system for electricity production. The surrounding facility is designed to support experiments, testing, student training, and technology development.
The project will serve as a hub for student learning, applied research, and reactor operations. As the home of the only ABET-accredited nuclear engineering undergraduate program in the state, ISU is well-positioned to offer education and research opportunities to help transform the energy landscape.
“By bringing this technology to a campus setting, ISU is proving that modern reactors can be safely operated and offer the potential to provide valuable resources to our communities,” said Dan LaBrier, associate professor of nuclear engineering at ISU and ART project lead. “By providing students with the experience needed for working in the modern energy landscape, we are training the next generation of scientists, engineers, technicians and researchers to power the Idaho of tomorrow.”