Latest news with #IdahoNationalLaboratory
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Legislators tour Idaho National Laboratory nuclear research facilities as lab plans new reactors
Idaho state Rep. Steven Miller, R-Fairfield, looks through protective glass into a hot room while touring facilities at Idaho National Laboratory in southern Idaho. (Photo courtesy of the Idaho National Laboratory) IDAHO FALLS – Members of the Idaho Legislature's budget committee toured Idaho National Laboratory research facilities Wednesday as the lab is in the process of building its first new nuclear reactors in 50 years. Some of INL's top officials told the Idaho Legislature's Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee they expected the next four years to usher in a new nuclear renaissance that INL will be at the center of. 'It's really intended to get INL back into the role of building and operating new reactors on site and supply chains that need to be exercised, getting us back into design and then ultimately building them and operating them,' INL Deputy Director Todd Combs said. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, or JFAC for short, is a powerful legislative committee that sets all of the budgets for every state agency and department. JFAC's tour included stops at Idaho National Laboratory's Research and Education Campus located in Idaho Falls as well as the Hot Fuel Examination Facility and the Sample Preparation Laboratory located at the Materials and Fuels Complex. The Materials and Fuels Complex is part of a vast 890 square-mile research complex located in the desert west of Idaho Falls that is often referred to simply as 'the site.' INL currently operates four nuclear reactors and is considered the country's leading nuclear energy research and development national laboratory. But Combs told JFAC members INL does a lot more than nuclear energy and fuels research. INL researchers and staff also focus on cyber security, electric vehicle infrastructure, artificial intelligence, or AI, homeland security and defense. INL has built armor for the Abrams tanks and conducted research into vulnerabilities in the electric grid and how to combat those vulnerabilities. INL teams have conducted research on electric vehicle infrastructure like charging stations and built the system that powered the Mars Perseverance rover. 'One might ask, how does this align currently with what the Trump administration is trying to accomplish?' Combs said. 'And if you look at executive orders like Unleashing American Energy, and if you look at Secretary of Energy (Chris Wright), his initial memo, and everything he's been talking about since he took over as secretary of energy, we fall right in line with what they're trying to accomplish.' INL celebrated its 75th anniversary last year, and Combs told legislators the lab is growing and ramping up research and operations. Since 2017, INL has grown from about 3,750 employees to 6,500 employees today. Since what is now known as INL was founded in 1949, 52 reactors have been built and demonstrated on the site, Combs said. INL currently operates four nuclear reactors, but the lab is in the process of building its first new reactors in 50 years. 'We've got a number of projects right now over the next decade that are coming online as well that are going to be reactors, 53 and 54 and beyond,' Combs said. INL made headlines last month when state officials and Department of Energy officials announced a waiver to a 1995 nuclear waste settlement agreement that allows for the shipment of spent nuclear fuel into Idaho for research at INL. A waiver was necessary because the 1995 settlement agreement called for limiting new shipments of spent nuclear fuel into Idaho and removing certain types of spent nuclear fuel in order to prevent the state from becoming a dumping ground for the nation's spent nuclear fuel. Although the Idaho Legislature adjourned the 2025 legislative session on April 4 and is not in session now, JFAC regularly conducts interim meetings to keep an eye on the state budget and learn about how different agencies and organizations spend the money that JFAC approves in the budget every year. 'I've never been out there (to INL's site),' Sen. Scott Grow, R-Eagle, said. 'Born and raised in Idaho. You would think I would have (visited before), but no. I loved it, and it was fascinating. The thing that really grabbed me was they did so much more than just the nuclear energy. I had no idea about the tanks and all that kind of stuff they're doing, and the AI. It's just cutting-edge scientific stuff going on out there.' CONTACT US 'It's good, I think, for the whole JFAC bench to get a chance to see that and to see we've been involved in buying buildings (that INL uses),' Grow added. 'The state is involved in this, even though we tend to think that it's a federal (facility).' A clear highlight for several JFAC members was entering a hot room at the Sample Preparation Laboratory that is under construction at the site. There isn't yet any nuclear material in the hot room because it is under construction. But once nuclear materials enter the facility, the public won't be able to enter the hot room that JFAC members entered Wednesday. Legislators did not vote on any bills or budgets during the three-day interim meeting tour. The tour kicked off Monday at College of Eastern Idaho, where two health care officials told legislators that Idaho's near total abortion ban has caused OB-GYNs and other medical professionals to leave the state. JFAC members may conduct a fall interim tour this year as well, although a legislative staffer told the Idaho Capital Sun on Wednesday that plans are not finalized. The next regular session of the Idaho Legislature is scheduled to begin in January. Rep. Wendy Horman, an Idaho Falls Republican who serves as a JFAC co-chair with Grow, said the entire three-day spring tour was valuable. Horman said the tour gave legislators who normally work out of the Idaho State Capitol in Boise a rare opportunity to get a closer look at important facilities and programs located in eastern Idaho that they might not have otherwise seen. 'I was so proud to see the way our community here welcomes legislators from across the state, and wanted to share with us the great things they're doing to help the citizens of Idaho,' Horman said. An Idaho Capita Sun reporter participated in the entirety of Wednesday's tour of INL facilities, and the reporter agreed not to take any photos, in accordance with INL's photo policy. Instead, an INL photographer documented the JFAC tour. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Idaho Republican Party names new executive director
The Idaho Republican Party logo hangs outside the door to the Idaho Republican Party primary celebration on May 17, 2022. (Otto Kitsinger for Idaho Capital Sun) The Idaho Republican Party on Tuesday named an eastern Idaho Republican official as the state party's new executive director. Anthony Tirino will start on May 27 as the Idaho Republican Party's executive director, the party announced in a news release. He previously represented the Bonneville County GOP at five state conventions and has served in several party roles. In a written statement, Idaho Republican Party Chairwoman Dorothy Moon said he is 'ready to hit the ground running.' 'I am absolutely thrilled to have found the right person to serve as Executive Director,' Moon said. 'Anthony knows the Idaho Republican party, he knows the people, and he has experience with fundraising, messaging, and even data security.' Originally from New York City, Tirino has worked for Idaho National Laboratory for a decade as a technician, according to his LinkedIn profile. He will oversee the Idaho Republican Party's day-to-day operations and staff coordination. And he'll help with fundraising and strategic planning ahead of the 2026 election cycle. 'It's a great honor to be the Executive Director of such a successful organization,' Tirino said in a written statement. 'The Republican party of Idaho has made great strides in recent history; both on platform and on policy. I look forward to doing my part to foster its future success. There are great days ahead in Idaho; and the Republican party and its staff will be there to help make that happen for everyone.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oklo (NYSE:OKLO) Reports Q1 2025 Earnings With Reduced Net Loss
Oklo reported a notable 71% increase in share price over the past month, a period marked by successful developments and strategic changes. The company's Q1 2025 earnings report highlighted a reduction in net loss, which may have bolstered investor sentiment. The completion of borehole drilling at the Idaho National Laboratory for its Aurora Powerhouse further reinforced progress in its projects. These advancements came amidst a broader market recovery where major indexes posted gains for three of the last four weeks. Oklo's developments appear to align with the broader optimistic market trends, reflecting investor confidence. Oklo has 4 weaknesses (and 1 which is a bit concerning) we think you should know about. These 16 companies survived and thrived after COVID and have the right ingredients to survive Trump's tariffs. Discover why before your portfolio feels the trade war pinch. Oklo's shares have skyrocketed over the last year, delivering a total return of 386.08%, a performance that surpasses both the overall US market, which returned 11.9%, and the US Electric Utilities industry, which returned 13.5%. These impressive gains provide a broader context to the company's recent month-long share price increase of 71%, suggesting a sustained investor confidence in Oklo's potential. The recent developments highlighted in the introduction, such as the reduction in net loss and the advancements at Idaho National Laboratory, are key factors influencing investor sentiment and potentially impacting future earnings forecasts. While the company's revenue remains at zero, the progress in projects like the Aurora Powerhouse could enhance future revenue prospects. With the current share price reflecting a 24.36% discount to the consensus analyst price target of US$46.91, the market appears to hold optimistic expectations about Oklo's growth trajectory. Explore Oklo's analyst forecasts in our growth report. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:OKLO. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Oklo Completes Site Characterization Borehole Drilling for First Powerhouse
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oklo successfully completed borehole drilling for site characterization work at the Idaho National Laboratory site for its first Aurora Powerhouse. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the development and future construction of the facility. The completed work included the drilling of several boreholes to support comprehensive geotechnical assessments of subsurface conditions. These efforts help with validating site suitability, informing detailed engineering design, and securing the necessary permits for construction. 'The completion of this drilling campaign highlights our team's ability to execute through the early stages of site development,' said Jacob DeWitte, co-founder and CEO at Oklo. 'With this work completed, we are well-positioned to continue making progress on licensing, infrastructure development, and ultimately, the groundbreaking of our first Aurora powerhouse.' The site characterization phase involved collaboration with leading geotechnical experts to ensure all data collection met regulatory and industry standards. The insights gathered will guide foundation design, seismic safety measures, and other site suitability assessments. These geotechnical analyses will be integrated into Oklo's Combined License Application (COLA) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Oklo's COLA covers the design, construction, and operation of the Aurora powerhouse, enabling a streamlined and efficient regulatory review process. Once approved, the license will authorize Oklo to construct and operate the plant. 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. 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,' '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 deployment of Oklo's powerhouses; the risk that Oklo is pursuing an emerging market, with no commercial project operating, regulatory uncertainties; the potential need for financing to construct plants, market, financial, political and legal conditions; the effects of competition; the risk that an agreement with Atomic Alchemy and the proposed acquisition thereof do not materialize or fail to produce the expected benefits; changes in applicable laws or regulations; and the outcome of any government and regulatory proceedings and investigations and inquiries. 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.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. Cox convenes ‘Built here' nuclear energy summit in Utah
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said it nicely, but firmly. 'We are in a time of profound stupidity.' China has 30 nuclear reactors under construction, Utah's governor said.. But in his lifetime, only a very few have been built in the United States. But, he stressed, 'Fortune favors the bold.' 'Built Here' is a nuclear energy summit Cox convened on Tuesday in Draper. 'We want to be the center of excellence,' he said. 'There is a nuclear renaissance happening and it is happening in Utah.' At Tuesday's event, Cox was joined by Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon and Idaho Gov. Brad Little in the signing of a memorandum of understanding that solidifies the regional effort to lay a policy platform for energy development. Why Utah, Idaho and Wyoming? The MOU is crystal clear about the goal. The document declares the states 'share a unique geographic and economic landscape rich in energy resources, including fossil fuels, renewable energy sources, and critical minerals essential for modern energy systems. The states also participate in a common energy market and face common challenges related to energy production and distribution, grid reliability amid rising demand, the environmental and economic impacts of energy transition, and volatile federal regulatory priorities.' The agreement underscores the urgency that drives Cox to be a leader in this energy space. At the event, there were a variety of notable people who work in the arena of energy, its development and how to get the United States on the map. Utah lawmakers, CEOs of a variety of companies, the director of the Idaho National Laboratory, John Wagner, and the dean of the University of Utah's College of Engineering. Cox is a farm boy at heart, with a beloved home in Fairview, Sanpete County. He talked of tearing down an old barn with a sledgehammer. 'It was a rush.' But then he threw this thought out there. After the barn was demolished so quickly, he pondered to the crowd how long it took to build. The sweat, the ingenuity, the thinking and planning that went into it. He said it is so easy to tear something down, but to build it takes time, money and will. That is where the United States stands to fall behind when it comes to energy. Cox, and this regional allies, do not want that to happen. 'This is one we cannot afford to lose,' Wagner said, referring to the race for the United States to be energy independent and meet the demands of the grid when it comes to data centers and AI. 'AI, data centers don't manufacture things, but I would say they manufacture intelligence. They manufacture insight that is literally going to change the world, and it's absolutely critical that the United States leads in that development. We talk about nuclear power and other things being built in China and global leadership races and challenges in different areas.' First of its kind technology of any kind is expensive, to be sure. Wagner was talking about small modular reactors and microreactors. 'Getting over the first of its kind is a hurdle,' he stressed, but it can happen. There was a time when energy providers, including Rocky Mountain Power, could save energy through efficiency. Customers dialing back, home and business incentives through multiple rebates the utility company offers. But with the real-world technology demands of today, utility providers are struggling to keep up. 'There's a lot of challenge, but the future has not found the time. We're at a generational shift where we need to talk about how we move from where we are to where we need an abundance of energy infrastructure so we have what we need for today, but also for the economy and the business and quality of life,' said Dick Garlish, chief executive officer for Rocky Mountain Power. Cox and key lawmakers saw this coming for some time and in Utah's last legislative session, key measures to establish a Utah Energy Council and a nuclear consortium were passed and signed to draw on expertise to move the state forward. Rep. Carl Albrecht, R-Richfield, pushed HB249 to passage, with many lawmakers and Cox behind him who recognized the urgency. At a break, Albrecht took an unassuming stance and, like always, personified what he is — a wait-and-see man. 'Look what I started,' he said, smiling. 'We'll see.' Those are his catchwords from a man who spent 40 years with Garkane Energy — 23 as chief executive officer. Albrecht is not a skeptic, but a realist. Yet, he is also hopeful even though he knows the reality of the energy landscape and the hard work that has to be done to get a project moving. Endless red tape. Government regulations, community sentiment and overcoming the NIMBY syndrome. At the conference, speakers emphasized that there is an awakening, despite the 'scary' factor of nuclear. That is why multiple presidential administrations have emphasized that energy has to evolve, must be cost effective, and there's been billions of dollars invested to pursue advanced nuclear development. As Cox said, it is a crisis. Lee Robinson, senior adviser for energy for the Defense Innovation Unit with the Department of Defense, said the agency is heavily invested with nuclear energy as a resource to power the mission. He mentioned Project Pele, under development by the Idaho National Laboratory which is scheduled to demonstrate next year. In Utah, Idaho National Laboratory is actively helping Tooele Army Depot in Tooele County and the Army's Dugway Proving Ground, the latter of which occupies an area the size of Rhode Island. Robinson said the pursuit has not been without careful consideration but steeped in the reality of energy demands There is an ability to house a small modular reactor or a microreactor on a military installation, he said. What about the risk? 'We're doing this right next to where we live. So we have confidence in those nuclear reactors, that they are inherently safe, and we're willing to put it within miles of our elementary schools and our homes. And when we do that, we have to be very public because these towns look just like any other town around America.'
