Returning as a World Leader in Nuclear Innovation and Technology Development

For centuries, the advancement and ownership of advanced technology has remained the foundation of a society’s strength. Over the past century, the acceleration of technology advancement has increased at a relentless rate. While other technologies have managed to follow this trend, the nuclear industry has maintained a modest pace since its inception.

 The significant regulation and safety-related rigors associated with the industry require vigilance and endurance for its researchers, designers, engineers and technicians. Rarely is there an opportunity to identify and capitalize on measurable increases in innovative pace and technological advancement.

 The U.S. Department of Energy is presently sponsoring a project — the Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) — which, if realized in physical and functional form, will return the U.S. to a position of being a world leader in nuclear innovation and provide technology that drives us toward a carbon-free energy future by manifesting a state-of-the-art research facility.

The need for such infrastructure has never been greater in the U.S. Private and public investors are partnering with nuclear reactor vendors to develop advanced nuclear reactor concepts that have the potential to fundamentally address climate change and carbon-emission issues related to energy production. However, many of these advanced reactor concepts will not see commercialization unless they undergo experimental testing campaigns to demonstrate their technical and functional safety requirements.

The operation of the VTR, unique from any other reactor in the world, can serve as a means for these proof-of-concept and safety tests. Like other reactors in the U.S., the VTR uses the nuclear fission interaction to power its core; however, with its unique design, the neutrons produced are managed at far higher energy levels than a traditional plant.

 The combination of these high-energy levels, as well as the use of liquid sodium for its coolant, provides high-operating-power levels and thermal efficiencies that are unlike other nuclear reactors operating today.

These unique conditions provide experimenters with the ability to accelerate the nuclear industry’s research and development timeline. Higher energy states, power densities and temperatures move the nuclear industry in the direction to produce cutting-edge technologies and regain its place as a world leader for innovation in the industry.

 The VTR is a gateway technology. It opens doors for innovation in the U.S. and allows us to identify the best path forward for our society as it relates to deploying and utilizing nuclear technology. The time is now to commit to a technology we know will move us toward a zero-carbon energy market.

 Learn More & Follow VTR’s Progress

To learn more about VTR and its many features and benefits, I invite you to explore the new VTR website. Easy to navigate and packed with helpful content, this website is your source for finding the most accurate, up-to-date news and information on VTR as quickly and simply as possible, including:

• How it works and why it’s important to have this capability on U.S. soil.
• What makes the reactor safe, along with the careful measures being taken to protect the health and safety of residents and wildlife.
• Its workforce and economic impact on local, regional and national economies.
• What its versatility and collaborative opportunities mean to private industry and academic and government researchers and developers.
• Answers to frequently asked questions.
• Important news, videos and other resources.

 Have any questions? Please let me know in the comments below.