Idaho nuclear and energy research facility announced

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) will expand its nuclear and energy security research facilities in Idaho.

The research concern, which works with the U.S. Department of Energy, has announced it will soon start construction on a 148,000 square-foot research and education laboratory in Idaho Falls. According to the press announcement, INL hopes the $50 million facility will add more than 300 jobs to the local economy during the construction process. No figure was given for how many employees are slated to work at the facility.

According to its website, INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s missions in nuclear and energy research, science, and national defense. It has been in operation since 1949.



The website states INL’s mission is as follows: “Ensure the nation’s energy security with safe, competitive, and sustainable energy systems and unique national and homeland security capabilities.” INL is one of the DOE’s 10 multiprogram national laboratories. The laboratory performs work in each of DOE’s strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and environment. INL is listed as the nation’s leading center for nuclear energy research and development.

The three-floor, energy efficient facility will feature offices and multiple laboratories used for conducting experiments and performing energy security research.

“The substantial infrastructure improvements and additions to INL over the last five years are supporting our missions and the realization of a world class laboratory operating in Idaho,” said INL Deputy Laboratory Director Dave Hill in the press announcement.

Since 2005, INL has opened 13 research, development or support facilities that total over 430,000 square feet. According to INL, these infrastructure updates came after decades when no significant new research facilities were built at INL. The new facility will be located along University Boulevard near the Center for Advanced Energy Studies.

Construction of the new facility is expected to begin in the spring of 2012 and will be complete in the summer of 2013. The facility will be leased to Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA). Management and operation of the laboratory will be the responsibility of BEA.

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