BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) received a shipment of nuclear rods at its front door in December, and the institute aims to begin researching and testing experimental power.
In a news release Thursday, the lab said they received 25 used experimental fuel rods, officially called next-generation light water reactor fuel. The rods – made by the Westinghouse Electric Company – are meant to be resilient because they are designed for extended use and safety features.
INL said the experimental fuel could help reduce energy costs for consumers.
However, before commercial use, the lab said researchers must test and evaluate how the power reacts to normal usage and under accident conditions, those being loss of power or overheating. They also must research the power behavior when in storage and recycling.
"Safety testing for fuels is like crash testing for your car," said Fabiola Cappia, the post irradiation examination department manager at INL. "You push it to the limit and beyond."
The Idaho National Laboratory said all the data compiled from their experiments must pass the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to allow the fuels to be used across the United States.
"Continuous innovation is key to improving the nuclear sector's reliability, especially at a time when energy demand is increasing and nuclear's role is more vital than ever," said Tarik Choho, Westinghouse president of Nuclear Fuel.
The 25 fuel rods are mostly comprised of uranium, weighing about 100 pounds and 12 feet long. The lab said the new rods could allow a nuclear power plant to operate longer from 18 to 24 months.
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