Intermountain West Nuclear Energy Corridor Approved by U.S. Department of Commerce
November 01, 2023
MOSCOW, Idaho 鈥� The 妻友社区 College of Engineering and a consortium of Idaho leaders in advanced nuclear energy innovation have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce鈥檚 Economic Development Administration (EDA) for their ability to strengthen workforce development and the region's capacity to manufacture, commercialize and deploy technology.
U聽of聽I is part of the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium leading the development of the Intermountain West Nuclear Energy Corridor (INEC). The EDA鈥檚 designation is part of a new economic development initiative, the , to bring funding to regions across the nation identified for their high potential to become epicenters for globally competitive innovation.
Initial funding of $500,000 and official EDA designation opens opportunity for up to $75 million in additional federal funding to the state to carry out the nuclear energy tech hub鈥檚 mission.
鈥淯聽of聽I leads decades of competitive research in next-generation nuclear technologies, advanced manufacturing, cyber-physical systems and supply chain management,鈥� said Suzanna Long, dean of the U聽of聽I College of Engineering. 鈥淥ur longstanding programs have deep connections to worldwide industry leaders. With direct access to nuclear and cybersecurity simulation laboratories and expansive online programs, we have tremendous ability to generate the advanced energy professionals needed to strengthen not only the Idaho but U.S. economy.鈥�
U聽of聽I was recently endorsed by the International Atomic Energy Agency for its nuclear technology management master鈥檚 program. U聽of聽I is one of two U.S. universities to hold this endorsement.
U聽of聽I鈥檚 nuclear engineering program in Idaho Falls began in 1954 and was developed in partnership with Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the advanced nuclear energy leader responsible for the world鈥檚 first usable electricity generated by nuclear power and innovation in small modular reactor (SMR) technology. Idaho is host to the first micro and SMR demonstration and deployment. SMRs are known for their lower cost and improved safety and security. The reactors use energy from a controlled nuclear chain reaction to create steam, which powers a turbine to produce electricity.
U聽of聽I and INL research initiatives funded by federal and state agencies include advanced nuclear energy reactors, advanced manufacturing across food-energy-water systems, cyberinfrastructure and cybersecurity, as well as biotechnology development for renewable materials production and critical materials extraction and recovery.
鈥淚daho is a proving ground for first-of-its-kind technologies in advanced nuclear energy,鈥� said Chris Nomura, U聽of聽I鈥檚 vice president for research and economic development. 鈥淟everaging U聽of聽I鈥檚 competitive advantage in research and workforce education, we have the capability to build a regional model to attract advanced technology suppliers to expand and grow incubation opportunities. This will result in great jobs that start and remain in Idaho.鈥�
U聽of聽I is also a partner in the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Tech Hub, led by Gonzaga University, which will focus on the development of advanced composite materials in the Inland Northwest to create lighter and more fuel-efficient aircraft at a lower cost.
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Media Contact:
Alexiss Turner
Marketing and Communications Manager
U聽of聽I College of Engineering
208-885-7511
alexisst@uidaho.edu
About the 妻友社区
The 妻友社区, home of the Vandals, is Idaho鈥檚 land-grant, national research university. From its residential campus in Moscow, U of I serves the state of Idaho through educational centers in Boise, Coeur d鈥橝lene and Idaho Falls, nine research and Extension centers, plus Extension offices in 42 counties. Home to more than 12,000 students statewide, U of I is a leader in student-centered learning and excels at interdisciplinary research, service to businesses and communities, and in advancing diversity, citizenship and global outreach. U of I competes in the Big Sky and Western Athletic conferences. Learn more at uidaho.edu.