Idaho International Laboratory: As one of 17 national labs in the U.S. Department of Energy complex, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is home to more than 6,400 researchers and support staff focused on innovations in nuclear research, integrated energy systems and security solutions that are changing the world. From discoveries in advanced nuclear energy to reliable energy options and to protecting our nation’s most critical infrastructure assets, our talented team at INL is constantly pushing the limits to redefine what’s possible.
Our 890-square-mile site houses an exceptional array of scientific expertise, equipment and vision to help shape extraordinary new technologies into practical, everyday uses (Campuses & Facilities).
The Idaho National Laboratory was originally created in 1952 as the National Reactor Testing Station. The INL we know today was created in February 2005.
Memorandums of Understanding
Wyoming’s MOU with INL followed Gordon signing a 2020 bill allowing the state to host SMRs, paving the way for TerraPower’s Natrium project and collaborations with INL.
“Gov. Gordon recognizes the value and opportunities INL brings to this state,” said Murrell. “INL, with its nuclear energy expertise, has acted as a fulcrum for the regional approach to this opportunity.”
In 2022, INL signed an MOU with Wyoming for different reasons. “Each state has different needs, and the MOUs reflect that,” said Murrell, who served as the executive director of the Wyoming Energy Authority before coming to INL. “For Wyoming, it emphasizes filling resource gaps by providing expertise and education, such as INL’s nuclear energy 101 course at the University of Wyoming.”
https://inl.gov/feature-story/western-states-forge-alliance-with-nations-nuclear-lab-on-advanced-energy-development/
INL Nuclear Activity Timeline in Wyoming:
| Jul 16, 2025 Small Army Of Cybersecurity Warriors Trains To Digitally Defend Energy Industry (https://cowboystatedaily.com/2025/07/16/small-army-of-cybersecurity-warriors-trains-to-digitally-defend-energy-industry/) |
| Jul 9, 2025 Western states forge alliance with nation’s nuclear lab on advanced energy development. (https://inl.gov/feature-story/western-states-forge-alliance-with-nations-nuclear-lab-on-advanced-energy-development/) |
| Jun 17, 2024 …In support of this program, BWXT is leveraging existing U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) achievements through the company’s collaboration with Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and other internal BWXT research and development investments. Through the ARDP, BWXT and DOE have been developing the BANR microreactor since 2021, and this effort in Wyoming represents an acceleration of BWXT’s commercial nuclear development efforts. INL has been providing strategic and technical support to the State of Wyoming under a memorandum of understanding signed in 2022…(https://wyoenergy.org/bwxt-phase-2-contract/) |
| Apr 29, 2025 Idaho and Trump Administration sign agreement to support US nuclear energy futureThe State of Idaho and the U.S. Department of Energy have agreed to a targeted waiver of the 1995 Settlement Agreement. The agreement established milestones to remove legacy waste at the Idaho National Laboratory site while allowing nuclear energy research and development at the lab.The waiver will enable critical research on a high burnup nuclear fuel cask from a commercial nuclear power plant. This research will provide data to support licensing for the extended storage of spent fuel at 54 nuclear power plants in 28 states… (https://inl.gov/news-release/idaho-and-trump-administration-sign-agreement-to-support-us-nuclear-energy-future/) |
| Oct 23, 2024 States moving toward advanced nuclear with boost from Idaho National LaboratoryEight states are developing economic development plans focused on advanced nuclear energy deployment with the help from Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Frontiers Initiative… “We have strengthened our partnerships with stakeholders in first-mover states – Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Alaska – while adding engagements where increasing interest in advanced nuclear energy intersects industry needs, including in Louisiana, Montana, North Dakota and South Carolina,” said Steven Aumeier, senior advisor at INL…“Idaho National Laboratory’s Frontiers Initiative has been a game changer, enabling state and local governments to chart a path forward to clean energy solutions,” said Joshua Parker, director of business development for BWXT Advanced Technologies.Mike Wandler of Wyoming Innovative Entrepreneurs and CEO of L&H Industrial Inc. agreed. “I am pleased to extend our heartfelt support and appreciation for the significant impact Frontiers has made on the nuclear energy-driven economic development in Wyoming,” he said. (https://inl.gov/news-release/states-moving-toward-advanced-nuclear-with-boost-from-idaho-national-laboratory/) |
| Jul 25, 2024 Louisiana looks to Idaho National Laboratory for a nuclear strategy …The Frontiers Initiative worked on a similar effort with Wyoming.In Wyoming, the initiative is working with state officials and University of Wyoming under a memorandum of understanding signed on May 4, where the lab and state agreed to collaborate on nuclear technologies, business and innovation. That collaboration resulted in the development of Wyoming Energy Authority’s advanced nuclear strategic plan. INL, through the Frontiers Initiative, continues to be engaged with Wyoming’s top industry leaders to establish market-leading positions utilizing advanced nuclear technologies. Kjellander is borrowing from Wyoming’s advanced nuclear energy playbook, drawing on three strategic pillars — generation, value and supply chain — to focus the framework. (https://inl.gov/feature-story/louisiana-looks-to-idaho-national-laboratory-for-a-nuclear-strategy/) |