Idaho State University to Build Microreactor, Empowering Nuclear Energy Talent Development

Recently, Idaho State University (ISU) announced that it will collaborate with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and local nuclear technology company NuCube to jointly build a new microreactor to fully support the state's only undergraduate nuclear engineering program.

It is understood that the project will carry out a major expansion and upgrade of the existing teaching and research reactor that has been in continuous operation since 1965, providing a cutting-edge technology operating platform for the next generation of nuclear engineers. This collaboration relies on the relevant advancement programs of the U.S. Department of Energy's Nuclear Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC), aiming to provide key resources and regulatory guidance for the research, development, and commercial deployment of cutting-edge nuclear technologies. Todd Combs, deputy director of Idaho National Laboratory (INL), pointed out that the facility will carry on the fine tradition and help more young students obtain professional operating licenses.

In the face of the global nuclear power renaissance wave, the industry is facing workforce shortage challenges caused by factors such as the retirement of senior professionals and remote project sites. The U.S. Department of Energy predicts that the nuclear power industry workforce is expected to grow significantly from the current 100,000 to 375,000 by 2050. To this end, higher education institutions are accelerating the construction of diverse collaborative networks. For example, Arizona State University, Purdue University, and other universities have recently jointly established a new nuclear energy academic alliance to jointly address the talent gap challenge.

Idaho Governor Brad Little emphasized at a special recognition event that the microreactor project will further consolidate Idaho's strategic position as a U.S. nuclear energy leader, and by accelerating technological innovation and local talent cultivation, continuously supply highly skilled talents for the revitalization of the entire U.S. nuclear industry.