In 1999, DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology (DOE-NE) designated the INL (then the INEEL) and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) as lead laboratories for Nuclear Reactor Technology. Over the past 50 years, the INL and ANL have been world leaders in nuclear technology research and development (R&D). 

In the summer of 2002, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham announced the INL will serve as the nation's premier nuclear technology center. The lead laboratories are chartered to:

• Maintain world-class staff and key facilities to pursue advanced nuclear reactor technology,
  


• Maintain a living knowledge base,
  


• Evaluate and integrate the results of R&D and propose new research,
  


• Stay abreast of developments associated with nuclear energy-related research, and
  


• Organize national and international forums to address key issues.
  

The lead laboratories were chosen for their complementary expertise and facilities: INL has extensive expertise in light water and gas-cooled nuclear systems, design, development, and testing. INL serves needs for nuclear regulatory and safety technical support, probabilistic risk analysis, nuclear engineering and design, nuclear fuels development and testing, and radiation measurements. ANL has extensive expertise in liquid metal-cooled reactors and fuel cycle analysis. ANL serves needs for safety analysis, nuclear engineering and design, fuels and fuel cycle development, and non-proliferation.

Both lead laboratories have a strong international presence and are actively supporting DOE-NE's three strategic goals:

• Research and Development. Promote the R&D necessary to advance applications of nuclear technologies that improve U.S. energy security, economic vitality, and quality of life.
  


• Infrastructure and Resource Management. Manage the nuclear infrastructure, isotopic inventories, and human resources entrusted to DOE-NE.
  


• Quality Products and Services. Provide reliable and high quality products and services that are responsive to customer needs.
  

Current activities of the lead labs are:

• Generation IV. Two major successes have been achieved in creating a next generation nuclear energy system to serve U.S. and world needs through the next century:
  


• Technology Roadmapping. INL and ANL provided technical and program management support to DOE-NE in developing plans for a technology roadmap that includes extensive industry and international participation. The roadmap analyzes and formulates R&D programs for a number of promising reactor concepts. Significant accomplishments were the organization of the project from diverse domestic and international views, integrating the program with existing advisory groups and expertise, and drafting preliminary goals for Generation IV that provide substantial advantages for nuclear energy.
  


• International Forum. INL and ANL have organized and supported DOE-NE's Generation IV International Forum. The Forum is composed of ten countries (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Japan, South Korea, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States) who have proclaimed their desire for Generation IV and the collaborative R&D needed to achieve it.
  


• Advanced Test Reactor User Facility Plan. INL has developed a User Facility Plan for its Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) to enhance INL's capabilities to meet future research needs and attract researchers and projects with national and international recognition. This plan was peer-reviewed by potential sponsors and other user facility operators, and was praised by DOE and potential users. At this point, a level of base funding is needed to complete several applications for new user facilities based on the ATR.
  

The vision for the Institute is to play a meaningful role in the revitalization of nuclear engineering and science in the U.S. In this regard, the vision is in harmony with that for operation of the new Idaho National Laboratory.