Idaho National Laboratory, , abbreviated INL. is the leading U.S. center for testing new nuclear reactor technologies. The lab is near Idaho Falls, Idaho. It is also involved in the recovery and reprocessing (recycling) of nuclear fuel. In addition, the laboratory conducts research on nonnuclear forms of energy. The INL also works with the Department of Homeland Security to protect the nation’s electric power grid and power plants.
The Battelle Energy Alliance operates the Idaho National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy. The laboratory was originally named the National Reactor Testing Station. It was established in 1949 to build and test various kinds of nuclear reactors and related equipment. The first pressurized water reactor and boiling water reactor were built there in the 1950’s. In 1955, one of the boiling water reactors, called BORAX III, became the first nuclear reactor to provide energy to light an American town—Arco, Idaho.
