IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The historic Experimental Breeder Reactor-II dome at Idaho National Laboratory in Arco has been transformed into the nation’s newest nuclear testing site. The facility will operate as the world’s first purpose-built test bed for fueled microreactors.
The 100-foot-tall dome, which originally housed the EBR-II in the 1960s, underwent a massive refurbishment to prepare for its new mission. According to Brady Orchard, project director at INL’s Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC), teams managed to accelerate the timeline by an entire year to meet the surging demand for advanced nuclear energy in the United States.
“That required extensive support from over 300 individuals at MFC constructors,” explains Orchard. “And working with our industry partners to accelerate advanced procurements.”
Behind thick, heavily shielded doors, the facility now serves as a secure, state-of-the-art environment where private companies from across the nation can safely test their microreactor designs.
“It provides a robust test bed for those developers to come in and test their systems, obtaining the vital experimental data they need to support licensing and the ultimate deployment of their new advanced reactor concepts,” explained Curtis Neilson, the DOME technical program manager.
Brett Tomer, director of the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC), noted that the project is already drawing businesses to Idaho.
“This is extremely important to local Idahoans,” Tomer explained. “Our program goes beyond the dome. We have multiple reactor developers here as we speak, and they are all opening up offices in Idaho Falls. So they’re bringing in their employees to live and work here as they develop all these technologies that are going forward. I know of at least five offices that have opened up because of our program.”
Supporters of the project emphasize that the United States is currently in a global race to deploy microreactors to power remote military bases, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and off-grid communities.
While the technology inside represents the future of energy, the facility hasn’t completely erased its past. In a nod to its heritage, the original 1960s EBR-II control room has been preserved and remains a part of the transformed facility.
Idaho National Laboratory plans to support the first reactor demonstrations starting this summer.
Editor’s Note: This story was originally reported by a Local News 8 reporter and re-formatted for digital platforms with AI assistance. Local News 8 verifies all reporting for fairness and accuracy.”
