Innovative Reactor Designs For Low-carbon Electricity

We build advanced nuclear reactors for this century

The National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) accelerates the demonstration and deployment of advanced nuclear energy through its mission to inspire stakeholders and the public, empower innovators, and deliver successful outcomes. NRIC is a national Department of Energy program led by Idaho National Laboratory, allowing collaborators to harness the world-class capabilities of the U.S. National Laboratory System. We are charged with and committed to demonstrating advanced reactors by the end of 2025.

Our technologies help people and the planet

Global environmental challenges have the potential to harm vulnerable populations and disrupt fragile ecosystems. Some analyses suggest these effects are already being felt. Advanced nuclear provides the United States with a compelling opportunity to develop a low-carbon technology that will help to provide the world with an affordable, scalable tool to address the global need for expanded access to clean energy.

Innovative designs for cutting-edge applications

Advanced nuclear technologies will serve new sectors of the economy by providing more than just clean electricity. This includes decarbonized heat generation, water desalination, and hydrogen production. Hybrid energy systems will benefit from the flexible output of advanced fission plants that can balance renewables and deliver low-carbon electricity in all conditions. Innovative applications for maritime propulsion and space technologies will provide unmatched reliability on new frontiers.

Our Team

The NRIC team is passionate and guided by its mission. We rely on teamwork to overcome our biggest challenges and believe that diversity and inclusion are directly responsible for better outcomes. We are committed to the safety of ourselves, our peers, and our community. We are dedicated to protecting the natural environment today and for generations to come.

Dr. Ashley Finan is the Director of NRIC and Nicholas Smith is the Deputy Director. Link to bios

News Updates

Department of Energy picks two advanced nuclear reactors for demonstration projects

Two advanced nuclear reactors, commercial molten-salt and gas-cooled, will be built within 7 years

DOE Awards $80M each to TerraPower, X-Energy for ARDP

U.S. Department of Energy Announces $160 million in First Awards Under Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today (10-/13/20)) announced it has selected two U.S.-based teams to receive $160 million in initial funding under the new Advanced Reactor Demonstration

Natrium, Xe-100 Are DOE’s Picks for Advanced Nuclear Reactor Demonstrations

TerraPower and X-energy will each receive $80 million in initial federal funding under the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Advanced Reactor Demonstration

Energy leaders hail $160M allocation as ‘huge’ step for U.S. nuke leadership

Energy officials are celebrating the allocation of $160 million to deploy advanced nuclear reactors as a pivotal moment for advancing American energy leadership.

Two novel reactors target niche corners of the market

Two novel reactors, Radiant’s micro reactor and TerraPower’s Natrium project have made headlines recently for advances they have made toward their own unique, demonstratable nuclear-fueled power generators and both programs show how entrepreneurs in the advanced nuclear reactor space are streamlining

NRIC What Inspires Us, Webinar Series, event # 1, September 29, 2020

The National Reactor Innovation Center's (NRIC) first webinar series "What Inspires Us" features Dr. Ashley Finan, director of NRIC, Mark Peters, director of Idaho National Laboratory and Suzanne Baker, creative director at the University of Michigan's Fastest Path to Zero Initiative and founder of Good