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NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 10, 2026San Diego

New generation of small nuclear reactors begins testing at Idaho National Laboratory

Startups are testing a new class of portable 'micro-reactors' at the Idaho National Laboratory, aiming to provide localized power for remote areas and data centers. This development follows federal efforts to accelerate reactor permitting by reducing regulatory requirements.

nuclear energyenergy policyIdaho National Laboratoryregulatory oversightmicro-reactors
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Why It Matters

The shift toward smaller, mass-produced nuclear reactors could change how remote communities and industrial sites access electricity, while raising questions about the adequacy of federal safety oversight following recent staffing cuts and regulatory streamlining.

Key Facts

  • Idaho National Laboratory (INL) covers 900 square miles of high desert.
  • The startup Deployable Energy successfully achieved a sustained chain reaction in its test reactor.
  • Micro-reactors are designed to power approximately 1,000 homes, compared to millions for traditional large-scale plants.
  • The Department of Energy reduced the regulatory permitting process by hundreds of pages last year.
  • The federal commission overseeing commercial nuclear development has experienced significant staff losses, particularly among safety experts.
  • A March Gallup poll indicates a majority of Americans oppose nuclear plants in their local areas.
  • Polling shows growing public support for the U.S. emphasizing nuclear power as a broad energy strategy.

Who's Mentioned

personEdwin Lyman“Nuclear power safety director at the Union of Concerned Scientists.”personVickie O'Haro“Owner of a local bar and racetrack in Atomic City.”organizationDepartment of Energy“Federal agency overseeing nuclear reactor permitting.”organizationUnion of Concerned Scientists“Advocacy group critical of current nuclear oversight.”organizationIdaho National Laboratory“Primary site for nuclear energy testing in the U.S.”personLance Maul“Chief Operating Officer at Deployable Energy.”locationAtomic City“Small town in Idaho near the nuclear test site.”organizationDeployable Energy“Startup company testing a new micro-reactor design.”