US Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has received priority rating authorisation by the federal government to expedite the construction of the world’s first two microreactor test beds. The new rating follows Department of Energy (DOE) plans to streamline construction projects across the national laboratories aimed to restore US energy dominance and help spur innovation.
INL submitted a special priorities request in early May to DOE to receive priority rating authorisation on contracts and orders related to the construction of the DOME and LOTUS microreactor test beds. The test beds will assist reactor developers test their fuelled microreactor experiments quickly, safely, and cost-effectively by levering existing infrastructure at the lab.
DOE determined that the request met the criteria under the Defense Production Act and the priority rating was then authorised by the Department of Commerce. The new rating elevates the lab’s priority status with the US supply chain to expedite construction of the test beds, with DOME currently expected to host the first experiment as early as 2026.
“As President Trump and Secretary Wright have directed, we are coordinating across the federal government and using every tool at our disposal to unleash American energy abundance and dominance,” said Rian Bahran DOE Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors. “The priority rating under the Defense Production Act for these reactor test beds at Idaho National Laboratory will be an important instrument ensuring we start the American nuclear renaissance now.”
The DOME and LOTUS test beds are operated by DOE’s National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) to accelerate the demonstration and deployment of advanced reactor systems. The DOME test bed is repurposing the lab’s Experimental Breeder Reactor-II containment structure to lower the risk of developing microreactor designs capable of producing 20 MWt or less. The LOTUS test bed will be housed in the lab’s former Zero Power Physics Reactor facility, which is expected to conduct the world’s first fast-spectrum, salt-fueled reactor test led by Southern Company and TerraPower.
“This priority rating will significantly reduce the time it will take to secure the components and services we need to complete the test beds and help microreactor developers stay on their aggressive schedules,” said NRIC Director Brad Tomer.
INL will now work to amend its contracts and orders to include the priority rating in accordance with federal law. The authorisation is limited to contracts and orders that are delayed or could negatively impact the programme’s ability to meet national defence requirements.
