(From the Desk of Senator James E. Risch, July 28, 2026)
The future of nuclear energy is here, and it’s happening in Idaho.
As the birthplace of nuclear electricity and home of the Idaho National Laboratory, the Gem State has long led the world in nuclear innovation.
Just before America’s 250th Birthday, three microreactors went critical at INL, a historic milestone that further solidifies the United States – and Idaho – as THE leader in nuclear energy.
These successful demonstrations mark an important milestone in the deployment and commercialization of advanced reactors. As important, it makes us one step closer to a new generation of safe, reliable, and affordable American energy.
But that’s not all.
Last week, the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Corridor Tech Hub, a partnership of more than 45 organizations across Idaho and Wyoming, received a $31 million award to accelerate the deployment and commercialization of advanced nuclear reactors. This funding will not only strengthen our domestic nuclear supply chains and U.S. energy security, but also train Idahoans for good-paying jobs in this vital industry.
INL also received over $200 million in commitments for the Prometheus Project, which will leverage AI to accelerate nuclear research and innovation.
Our nation’s demand for energy is growing, and the work being done in Idaho is proving that nuclear power is the definitive answer.
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