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As Idaho’s population grows and demand for energy steadily climbs, the need for sustainable, safe energy solutions becomes critical for our future. The University of Idaho partners with Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to advance energy innovation and build systems to secure our state going forward.
Next week we’ll strengthen the U of I’s relationship with INL through a Strategic Understanding for Premier Education and Research (SUPER) agreement. Our faculty in Idaho Falls cooperate with INL in nuclear materials and fuel cycle engineering, nuclear integrated energy and power systems, and cybersecurity.
“A secure, sustainable energy portfolio is essential for Idaho and the nation,” said Suzie Long, dean of the U of I College of Engineering. “Nuclear plays a tremendous role in that work and the U of I is privileged to collaborate with INL in creating real-world solutions in nuclear energy technology and implementation strategies.”
The U of I’s partnership with INL dates back to the laboratory’s founding in 1949. Currently, 14 faculty members work on INL contracts and dozens of laboratory employees take classes at the U of I. The Idaho Falls campus’ strategic location just steps from INL makes collaboration simple and efficient.
The new SUPER agreement expands on the strong relationship built over the past 75 years.
“It allows the U of I and INL to take our earlier work to the next level,” Long said. “It allows us to be competitive with the creation of large-scale engineering and science centers focused around the nuclear energy and power engineering space. We have the right team at the right time to address these challenges.”
Some of U of I’s innovative collaboration with INL includes Krishnan Raja and Indrajit Charit’s work using 3D printing to replace corroded or damaged components within molten salt reactors. One of Haiyan Zhao’s projects focuses on solubility measurements to provide a deeper understanding of fuels for the next generation of nuclear reactors. And Brian Johnson continues to advance safe and secure power grids by combining power engineering with cybersecurity systems.
Our collaboration reaches beyond the College of Engineering. Ming-Hsun Cheng, a faculty member in the College of Natural Resources, is studying supply chain efficiencies to improve advanced hydrogen production.
“The U of I’s 100-plus years of experience in engineering have positioned us with expertise in power systems and energy grid management and design, along with nuclear fuel cycle technologies and integrated energy systems that connect fossil fuel and renewable energy sources,” Long said.
Complex challenges require collaborative solutions. We’re grateful to partner with INL to create the energy systems we need for a bright future.
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