Versatile Test Reactor Moves into Engineering Design Phase

Part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s complex of national laboratories, INL performs work in each of the strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science & environment. INL is the nation’s leading center for nuclear energy research & development

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Nicole Stricker

Science Communications Manager Idaho National Laboratory

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Nicole Stricker is the manager of Science Communications at Idaho National Laboratory. She works with scientists and engineers to explain their work to audiences outside their field of research....

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Sep 28, 2020 10:26 am GMTSep 27, 2020 9:32 pm GMT
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Versatile Test Reactor Moves into Engineering Design Phase

The Versatile Test Reactor, a planned experimental fast neutron reactor, has cleared “Critical Decision 1,” paving the way for the engineering design phase to begin.

Source: www.powermag.com

Great explanation of what last week's news means for the Versatile Test Reactor program.

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Thank Nicole for the Post!

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Bob Meinetz on Sep 28, 2020 4:04 pm GMT

Nicole, in 2015 Roger Blomquist at Argonne told me the Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) was "ready for prime time" in 1994 when Bill Clinton killed the project. He later regretted the decision, saying in the post-Chernobyl era the IFR was a "symbol".

Why is INL starting from scratch with a new design? If we didn't have time to waste in 1994, we have even less now.

Nicole Stricker on Sep 28, 2020 7:32 pm GMT

HI Bob, Thanks for the question. Design for the VTR is not starting from scratch. GE-Hitachi's PRISM Mod. A design is being adapted to suit the VTR's testing mission. The PRISM design in turn incorporates principles from the IFR program (for example metal fuel, inherent safety, passive safety systems). So much of what was learned through the IFR program is being applied here.

Matt Chester on Sep 28, 2020 8:58 pm GMT

Love seeing progress of technology standing upon the shoulders of those before them-- that's how transformational change will be achieved, indeed!

Bob Meinetz on Sep 30, 2020 4:07 pm GMT

Thanks Nicole, but has INL received design certification for PRISM from the NRC? I know GE-Hitachi has been wrestling with the NRC since 1998 on that very task (?).

Nicole Stricker on Sep 30, 2020 6:53 pm GMT

Since VTR will be used for research and not to generate electricity, it does not fall under juristiction of the NRC. VTR will be overseen by the U.S. Department of Energy, which has the legal authority to develop and operate reactors for research. Just like the NRC, DOE places great importantce on protecting the public, workers and the enviroment. More FAQs are answered here https://inl.gov/vtr/.

Bob Meinetz on Sep 30, 2020 11:26 pm GMT

Great to hear. Nuclear has always needed investment of time and money from the federal government, and to see DOE taking the reins with this program is very encouraging.

Thanks again for your valuable input.

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