NRIC DOME Scheduling Application

DOME is needed to accelerate testing and commercialization of microreactors. It can be cost prohibitive and time consuming for private companies to construct their own testing facilities. DOME is expected to defray the cost to build multiple containment structures and perform fueled reactor experiments for developers. Advanced reactor developers need to test their concepts to generate data to support design and licensing activities.

The DOME test bed will have an approximately 80-ft diameter floor space to accommodate a shipping container sized experiment. DOME will support testing of multiple reactors one experiment at a time, approximately every 12-24 months. The specific timeframe for each experiment will be dependent on the complexity of the reactor design, the arrival of needed equipment, and testing requirements.

Due to safety protocols, only one experiment can operate at a time in DOME.

DOME users would be responsible for transporting the reactor and associated equipment to INL. DOE would support testing by assisting in the development of advanced nuclear reactor projects; integrating projects into the DOME test bed; and operating the reactor experiment.

The Trump Administration has a bold and ambitious agenda to unleash American energy at home and abroad to restore the nation’s energy dominance. This will require the rapid deployment and commercialization of advanced nuclear reactors to meet the nation’s growing demand for secure, affordable and abundant energy to power industry and economic growth. DOME defrays costs and accelerates development timelines for reactor developers by providing access to a state-of-the-art containment structure that can house fueled reactor experiments.

DOE defines test reactors as operating reactors that can have smaller experiments embedded within the reactor to achieve specific test data. This could include experiments to determine how a material is affected by neutron flux or how new fuel designs survive in extreme environments of heat or radiation. The DOME test campaigns allow the developers to test the reactor itself, achieve criticality for the first time, and verify analysis and software digital twins for future use in the commercial deployment of their reactors. DOME is the only facility in the country and the first in the world to provide reactor developers access to a containment structure where these fueled experiments can occur.

DOE estimates that the operational lifespan of the DOME test bed will be approximately 20 years.

Reactor developers are expected to self-fund their test campaigns in DOME.

DOME is still under construction but anticipated to be completed for less than $77.5 million.

The cost of annual operations will vary depending on the rector and associated test plan utilizing the DOME facility.

DOME is a U.S. Department of Energy testing facility operated by the National Reactor Innovation Center and located at Idaho National Laboratory. Funding for DOME’s construction and operation comes from DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy. The cost of testing microreactors in DOME will be assumed by reactor developers.

Interested parties must complete the application template with all required information by the stated deadline to be considered for scheduling their test campaign in DOME. This is intended to be an annual process.

NRIC has developed a formal review process to ensure that priority access to DOME is given to reactor developers whose designs have a strong likelihood of success due to technology maturity and other factors. Developers who are not able to meet key milestones and safety protocols with their design may be deferred to a future call.

The schedule is provided for planning purposes based on the best available information at the time. It is reviewed annually to maximize the efficient use of DOME, account for new applicants and reflect DOE mission priorities.

DOME users would be responsible for transporting the reactor and associated equipment to INL. DOE would support testing by assisting in the development of advanced nuclear reactor projects; integrating projects into the DOME test bed; and operating the reactor experiment.

Yes, any U.S. developer interested in working with NRIC to test their microreactor design can reach out directly to learn more about requirements and timing.

The first reactor may be received by DOME as soon as 2026, with testing likely to begin in 2027.

NRIC encourages all applicants to put forth a compelling application that contains all requested information to aid in quick decision making. The Department of Energy (DOE) is working to identify and implement options to complete the evaluation process as quickly as possible. NRIC and DOE understand the urgency of this work and are exploring all options to expedite the process.

Testing in the DOME test bed is open to all interested applicants and NRIC expects a multiple responses with differing maturity of design. The stated 4 to 6 month period is an estimate based on the time needed for application reviews, evaluations, selections, and approvals. NRIC and DOE will continue to actively work to find efficiencies and compress this schedule.