Latest news with #INL
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lightbridge Successfully Fabricates Nuclear Material Samples with Enriched Uranium-Zirconium Alloy for Testing in the Advanced Test Reactor
RESTON, Va., July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lightbridge Corporation (Nasdaq: LTBR), a leader in advanced nuclear fuel technology, today announced the successful fabrication of coupon samples using enriched uranium-zirconium alloy, a critical step in the development of its next-generation Lightbridge Fuel™ product. The samples are representative of the fuel material alloy composition Lightbridge plans to use in the commercial fuel product designed to improve the performance and safety of nuclear reactors worldwide. Key highlights of this achievement include: Successful Extrusion of Enriched Uranium-Zirconium Alloy Samples: Lightbridge has successfully extruded enriched uranium-zirconium alloy samples that match the fuel material alloy composition intended for its future commercial Lightbridge Fuel™ product. Utilization of Proven Fabrication Process: The extrusion process was performed using Lightbridge's proprietary fabrication method, previously demonstrated at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), to extrude and co-extrude depleted uranium samples with zirconium-alloy cladding. This proven technology is now applied to the enriched alloy for further development. Collaboration with INL for Irradiation Testing: The enriched coupon samples will be placed into capsules and undergo irradiation testing at INL's Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). This work is conducted as part of an existing Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between Lightbridge and the Idaho National Laboratory. Irradiation Testing to Support Regulatory Efforts: The planned irradiation testing program, along with post-irradiation examination activities (the scope of which will be detailed in a future Project Task Statement), is aimed at generating critical irradiation performance data for Lightbridge's advanced fuel. This data will play a key role in supporting the company's regulatory licensing and commercialization efforts for deployment of Lightbridge Fuel™. Image 1: Enriched Uranium-Zirconium Rod Post-Extrusion Image 2: Close-up View of the Enriched Uranium-Zirconium Rod Post-Extrusion, still covered in the extrusion lubricant Image 3: Taking Measurements of the Enriched Uranium-Zirconium Rod Post-Extrusion Image 4: View of the Working Space from Above Image 5: Lightbridge and INL team performing a visual inspection of a finished enriched uranium-zirconium coupon sample inside a glovebox Image 6: A close-up view of a finished enriched uranium-zirconium coupon sample Image 7: Taking dimensional measurements of a finished enriched uranium-zirconium coupon sample Image 8: Finished enriched uranium-zirconium coupon samples after characterization and visual inspection results confirmed their suitability for irradiation testing in the Advanced Test Reactor Image 9: INL and Lightbridge team inspecting the finished enriched uranium-zirconium coupon samples Image 10: Taking dimensional measurements of a finished enriched uranium-zirconium coupon sample 'Idaho National Laboratory is proud to collaborate with Lightbridge on this critical step toward advancing nuclear fuel technology,' said Ronald Crone, Associate Laboratory Director at Idaho National Laboratory. 'The successful fabrication and upcoming irradiation testing of these enriched uranium-zirconium alloy samples will provide valuable data to support the development of Lightbridge's advanced nuclear fuel technology.' 'We are thrilled to reach this milestone in the development of our advanced fuel technology,' said Dr. Scott Holcombe, Vice President of Engineering, at Lightbridge. 'The successful fabrication of these enriched uranium-zirconium alloy coupon samples, to be followed by irradiation testing at INL's Advanced Test Reactor, is a critical step toward our goal of delivering a safer, more efficient fuel solution for the nuclear energy industry. This collaborative effort with INL will provide essential data to support our regulatory approval process.' About Idaho National LaboratoryBattelle Energy Alliance manages INL for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy. INL is the nation's center for nuclear energy research and development, and also performs research in each of DOE's strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and the environment. For more information, visit Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X. About Lightbridge CorporationLightbridge Corporation (NASDAQ: LTBR) is focused on developing advanced nuclear fuel technology essential for delivering abundant, zero-emission, clean energy and providing energy security to the world. The Company is developing Lightbridge Fuel™, a proprietary next-generation nuclear fuel technology for existing light water reactors and pressurized heavy water reactors, significantly enhancing reactor safety, economics, and proliferation resistance. The Company is also developing Lightbridge Fuel for new small modular reactors (SMRs) to bring the same benefits plus load-following with renewables on a zero-carbon electric grid. Lightbridge has entered into two long-term framework agreements with Battelle Energy Alliance LLC, the United States Department of Energy's operating contractor for Idaho National Laboratory, the United States' lead nuclear energy research and development laboratory. DOE's Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear program has twice awarded Lightbridge to support the development of Lightbridge Fuel over the past several years. Lightbridge is participating in two university-led studies through the DOE Nuclear Energy University Program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Texas A&M University. An extensive worldwide patent portfolio backs Lightbridge's innovative fuel technology. Lightbridge is included in the Russell 2000® Index and the Russell 3000® Index. For more information, please visit To receive Lightbridge Corporation updates via e-mail, subscribe at Lightbridge is on YouTube. Subscribe to access past demonstrations, interviews, and other video content at Lightbridge is on X (formerly Twitter). Sign up to follow @LightbridgeCorp at Forward Looking StatementsWith the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed herein are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations on the date of this news release and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ significantly from such estimates. The risks include, but are not limited to: Lightbridge's ability to commercialize its nuclear fuel technology; the degree of market adoption of Lightbridge's product and service offerings; Lightbridge's ability to fund general corporate overhead and outside research and development costs; market competition; our ability to attract and retain qualified employees; dependence on strategic partners; demand for fuel for nuclear reactors; Lightbridge's ability to manage its business effectively in a rapidly evolving market; the availability of nuclear test reactors and the risks associated with unexpected changes in Lightbridge's fuel development timeline; the increased costs associated with metallization of Lightbridge's nuclear fuel; public perception of nuclear energy generally; changes in the political environment; risks associated with war in Europe; changes in the laws, rules and regulations governing Lightbridge's business; development and utilization of, and challenges to, Lightbridge's intellectual property; risks associated with potential shareholder activism; potential and contingent liabilities; as well as other factors described in Lightbridge's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC'). Lightbridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as the result of new developments or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Lightbridge's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and in its other filings with the SEC, including in the sections thereof captioned 'Risk Factors' and 'Forward-Looking Statements', all of which are available at and Investor Relations Contact:Matthew Abenante, IRCDirector of Investor RelationsTel: +1 (347) 947-2093ir@ Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Scoop
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Sanctioning Key Members Of Foreign Terrorist Organization Tren De Aragua
Tammy Bruce, Department Spokesperson July 17, 2025 The United States is sanctioning the head and key members of Tren de Aragua (TdA), a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) that originated in Venezuela and has launched a campaign of terror throughout our hemisphere. Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores (a.k.a 'Niño Guerrero') has a history of being involved in criminal activities for over two decades and currently is the detestable leader of TdA. Guerrero expanded TdA from a prison gang involved in extortion and bribery to an organization engaged in terrorism with growing influence throughout the Western Hemisphere. The Department of State, through the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program managed by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), is offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Guerrero. Today's sanction actions also target five additional key TdA leaders and affiliates, including one of TdA's co-founders and a close Guerrero lieutenant, Yohan Jose Romero (a.k.a. 'Johan Petrica'). INL is also offering a reward of up to $4 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Romero. These other TdA leaders are involved in atrocious crimes such as illicit drug trade, migrant smuggling, human trafficking, extortion, sexual exploitation of women and children, and money laundering, among other activities. This action follows the recent designation of TdA as an FTO and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). The United States is committed to keeping the American people safe by using all available means to eliminate TdA's threats of violent crime throughout our hemisphere.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Microsoft, US national lab tap AI to speed up nuclear power permitting process
By Stephen Nellis SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -Microsoft and a U.S. national laboratory on Wednesday said they are partnering to examine how artificial intelligence could be used to speed up the process of compiling the documents needed to secure permits for new nuclear power plants. Microsoft and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) said they will tap Microsoft's AI technology for generating engineering and safety analysis reports that are a standard part of the application process for construction permits and operating licenses for nuclear facilities in the United States. The AI systems, which have been trained on a huge trove of successful historical applications, will pull data from studies and compile it into complex applications that span hundreds of pages. "It's created for human refinement, so a human can go through each of the sections and, specifically as needed, edit any of the sections, whether manually, or maybe with the help of AI - it's really up to the human," Nelli Babayan, AI director for federal civilian business at Microsoft, told Reuters in an interview. The move comes after President Donald Trump in May signed executive orders to fast-track the licensing process for new nuclear power plants, aiming to shorten what is often a multiyear process into as little as 18 months as AI data centers create soaring demand for energy. The technology could also help with squeezing more energy out of existing nuclear plants, said Scott Ferrara, deputy division director for nuclear safety and regulatory research at INL. Existing nuclear facilities must submit an evaluation of how they might increase power output and apply for an amendment to their operating license. "A plethora of data already exists from about 82 upgrades that have already taken place, and they can just pull right from that (data) and help generate their license amendment request," Ferrara told Reuters in an interview. Sign in to access your portfolio
Sustainability Times
25-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'America's First Nuclear Reactor in 50 Years': This Ultra-Compact Power Source Will Deliver Electricity Where No Grid Can Reach
IN A NUTSHELL 🔬 MARVEL is an advanced test reactor designed to promote the development and testing of microreactor technologies at the Idaho National Laboratory. is an advanced test reactor designed to promote the development and testing of microreactor technologies at the Idaho National Laboratory. 🚀 The project is divided into three strategic phases, focusing on design finalization, operational testing, and decommissioning over a two-year period. 🤝 INL invites private-sector collaboration to leverage MARVEL's capabilities for maturing novel nuclear technologies and demonstrating innovative use cases. 🌟 As the first new reactor at INL in over forty years, MARVEL represents a significant milestone in U.S. nuclear energy development. In an era where the demand for clean and sustainable energy is ever-increasing, innovative solutions are paramount. The Microreactor Application Research Validation and Evaluation (MARVEL) project is poised to revolutionize nuclear energy development in the United States. Managed by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for the Department of Energy (DOE), this groundbreaking initiative introduces an advanced test reactor that could pave the way for future microreactor technologies. As the first new reactor constructed at the INL site in over forty years, MARVEL stands as a beacon of progress and innovation in the realm of nuclear energy research. The Role of MARVEL in Advancing Nuclear Energy The MARVEL project is a significant leap forward in nuclear energy research and development. Designed as a sodium-potassium (NaK)–cooled test reactor, MARVEL serves as a physical test bed at INL's Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT). Its primary goal is to facilitate integrated testing of nuclear reactor components, autonomous controls, microgrid interfaces, and process heat applications in a real nuclear environment. This initiative not only supports the DOE's advanced microreactor research but also acts as a catalyst for private-sector nuclear energy development. The compact core of MARVEL consists of 36 uranium hydride fuel rods, each containing five fuel meats enriched to 19.75% U-235. These rods are moderated by hydrogen and surrounded by a beryllium neutron reflector, leveraging existing technology and off-the-shelf components for expedited construction. The use of high-assay, low-enriched uranium from existing research materials ensures the project's feasibility and efficiency. By providing a platform for testing and demonstrating advanced nuclear technologies, MARVEL is set to transform the landscape of nuclear energy research. 'Space Needs Nuclear Now': This New Global Race to Harness Atomic Power Beyond Earth Is Accelerating Faster Than Expected Phased Operation and Strategic Implementation MARVEL's operation is meticulously divided into three strategic phases over a two-year period. Currently in its first phase, the project focuses on finalizing design, acquiring environmental permits, fabricating components, and conducting safety preparations. This phase is expected to culminate in fuel loading and initial criticality at the TREAT facility by late 2027 or early 2028. The progression of these phases underscores the project's commitment to rigorous testing and validation of nuclear technologies. Upon completion of the first phase, MARVEL will transition into its second phase, which emphasizes testing power production systems and supporting industrial demonstrations under real operating conditions. This phase invites industrial end users to design and fabricate the equipment and processes they wish to demonstrate. Given the project's short duration, potential stakeholders are encouraged to prepare in advance to maximize the opportunity for technological advancement. The final phase focuses on decommissioning activities, providing invaluable opportunities for post-irradiation examination and end-of-life research. 'Bury Them Deep': Nuclear Reactors Planted One Kilometer Underground Could Deliver Cheap and Ultra-Safe Energy for Decades MARVEL as a Catalyst for Microreactor Development INL positions MARVEL as a pivotal development tool for advancing microreactor technologies. The project aims to provide a comprehensive platform that the private sector can leverage to mature novel nuclear technologies and demonstrate innovative new use cases for microreactors. With an 85-kWth reactor capacity, MARVEL will produce over 10 kWe of electricity in its initial operational stage. As operations progress, the reactor will offer process heat above 572°F to end-users for demonstration purposes, showcasing its versatility and potential applications in various industries. Since its establishment in 1949, INL has constructed 52 reactors, with MARVEL marking the first new build in over four decades. This milestone represents a new era in U.S. nuclear development, reflecting the nation's commitment to pioneering sustainable and efficient energy solutions. By fostering innovation and collaboration between public and private sectors, MARVEL is set to drive significant advancements in nuclear technology. 'FBI at the Door': A 12-Year-Old's Bedroom Science Experiment Triggers Federal Response and Alarms National Security Experts Looking Ahead: The Future of Nuclear Innovation As the MARVEL project progresses, its impact on the future of nuclear energy cannot be overstated. The DOE's invitation to private-sector nuclear developers to participate in experiments and demonstrations at MARVEL underscores the project's collaborative nature and its potential to catalyze groundbreaking advancements in microreactor technologies. By harnessing the capabilities of MARVEL, stakeholders can explore new frontiers in nuclear energy, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future. The project's success will hinge on the continuous engagement of industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers who share a common vision for innovative energy solutions. As we look to the future, one question remains: How will the advancements made possible by MARVEL reshape the global energy landscape and address the pressing challenges of our time? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (28)
Business Wire
17-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Oklo's Atomic Alchemy Begins Site Characterization Work at Idaho National Laboratory
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO), an advanced nuclear technology company, announced today that its subsidiary Atomic Alchemy Inc. ('Atomic Alchemy') has commenced site characterization work at a potential location for a commercial radioisotope production facility in Idaho, at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This milestone builds on Atomic Alchemy's progress with prior approvals and agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding secured in 2020 with the U.S. Department of Energy Idaho Operations Office (DOE-ID) to identify a suitable location to site the project at INL, as well as a license in late November that authorized initial site characterization activities. The site characterization activities include core borings to collect soil and rock samples that will provide essential data on subsurface composition and ensure that the production facility meets stringent safety and building code requirements while supporting the design of a robust structural foundation. 'This milestone reflects the incredible partnership between INL, DOE, and Atomic Alchemy,' said Thomas Eiden, Founder and CEO of Atomic Alchemy. 'We're proud to advance a reliable domestic supply of essential radioisotopes and help restore U.S. leadership in this critical field.' Atomic Alchemy is establishing one of the most advanced radioisotope production sites in the world, positioning the U.S. at the forefront of next-generation nuclear technology. The world is facing a shortage of many critical radioisotopes. These materials are vital for life-saving diagnostics, targeted cancer therapies, AI chip manufacturing, national security, and advanced R&D. Radioisotopes are expected to represent a $55.7 billion market opportunity by 2026, according to Research Nester, and demand is projected to increase significantly over the next decade. 'Oklo aims to address this growing market demand through reliable, U.S.-based radioisotope production facilities that leverage our nuclear reactor and fuel recycling technologies,' said Jacob DeWitte, Co-Founder and CEO of Oklo. 'Through Atomic Alchemy, we aim to execute transformative projects that will expand our capabilities in commercial radioisotope production.' The site characterization activities for Atomic Alchemy's radioisotope facility build on the recent DOE approval of site characterization activities for Oklo's Aurora Powerhouse project in Idaho, underscoring continued momentum in the development of advanced nuclear facilities. About Idaho National Laboratory Battelle Energy Alliance manages INL for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy. INL is the nation's center for nuclear energy research and development and also performs research in each of DOE's strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science, and the environment. For more information, visit About Oklo Inc.: Oklo Inc. is developing fast fission power plants to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale; establishing a domestic supply chain for critical radioisotopes; and advancing nuclear fuel recycling to convert nuclear waste into clean energy. Oklo was the first to receive a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for a commercial advanced fission plant, was awarded fuel from Idaho National Laboratory, and submitted the first custom combined license application for an advanced reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Oklo is also developing advanced fuel recycling technologies in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and national laboratories. About Atomic Alchemy Inc.: Atomic Alchemy Inc. is pioneering a resilient U.S.-based radioisotope supply chain to meet essential demands across healthcare, industry, research, and defense. With its proprietary VIPR® technology, Atomic Alchemy is building the first scalable production facility to provide a reliable, sustainable source of high-value radioisotopes. Using a vertically integrated model and fuel recycling, in partnership with Oklo, Atomic Alchemy is transforming isotope production to address global shortages, support critical applications, and strengthen national security. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes statements that express Oklo's opinions, expectations, objectives, beliefs, plans, intentions, strategies, assumptions, forecasts or projections regarding future events or future results and therefore are, or may be deemed to be, 'forward-looking statements.' The words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'continue,' 'can,' 'could,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intends,' 'may,' 'might,' 'plan,' 'possible,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'project,' 'should,' 'would' or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout this press release and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, among other things, the benefits of the proposed acquisition, results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the markets in which Oklo operates. Such forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this press release, and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, the actual results or performance of Oklo may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The following important risk factors could affect Oklo's future results and cause those results or other outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements: risks related to the development and deployment of Oklo's powerhouses; the risk that Oklo is pursuing an emerging market, with no commercial project operating, regulatory uncertainties; risks related to acquisitions, divestitures, or joint ventures we may engage in; the potential need for financing to construct plants; market, financial, political and legal conditions; the effects of competition; risks related to accessing HALEU and recycled fuels; risks related to our supply chain; risks related to power purchase agreements; risks related to human capital; risks related to our intellectual property; risks related to cybersecurity and data privacy; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the outcome of any government and regulatory proceedings and investigations and inquiries; the risk that the acquisition of Atomic Alchemy fails to produce the expected benefits; and those factors in the other documents filed by Oklo from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties of the other documents filed by Oklo from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release and in any document incorporated by reference are based on current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Oklo. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting Oklo will be those that Oklo has anticipated. Oklo undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
