Key Points
- The proposed facility is a small-scale university research microreactor, not a commercial nuclear power plant.
- The project is being developed through a partnership between Idaho State University and Idaho-based NuCube Energy.
- It will support education, research, workforce development, and advanced reactor technology demonstration.
- The reactor is designed to produce heat for education, research, and testing and is not intended to generate electricity for the grid.
- The project is in the planning stages and remains subject to federal review, licensing, and approvals.
- ISU and NuCube are committed to transparency and ongoing community engagement throughout the project.
What is being proposed?
Idaho State University, (ISU), in partnership with NuCube Energy, is proposing the ART at ISU’s Research and Business Park in Pocatello. The project is intended to support education, research, workforce development, and demonstration of advanced nuclear technology.
Why is ISU pursuing this project?
The project advances ISU's mission by expanding research opportunities, providing hands-on learning for students, strengthening Idaho's advanced nuclear workforce, and reinforcing the university's leadership in nuclear science and engineering.
Why is this project important to Idaho?
The project helps strengthen Idaho's position as the nation's leader in advanced nuclear innovation. It supports collaboration among Idaho State University, Idaho National Laboratory, industry, and students while helping prepare the next generation of engineers, scientists, and reactor operators.
Who is NuCube Energy?
NuCube Energy is an advanced nuclear technology company headquartered in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The company is developing the NuSun platform, a factory-built microreactor technology, designed to provide reliable, carbon-free energy for future commercial applications. Through its partnership with ISU, NuCube is helping create a university-based platform for training, research, and technology development in Idaho.
What is a research reactor?
Research reactors are used by universities and research institutions around the world to educate students, conduct scientific research, test new technologies, and train future reactor operators. Unlike commercial nuclear power plants, they are not designed to generate electricity for the electric grid.
How is this reactor different from a large grid-scale commercial nuclear power plant?
The reactor is much smaller than a large grid-scale commercial nuclear power plant and produces 0.1% of the power compared to a large plant. To maximize research flexibility, the proposed facility will provide direct access to heat rather than include a power conversion system for electricity production. The surrounding facility is designed to support experiments, testing, student training, and technology development. It will not operate as a commercial power plant or supply electricity to the grid.
What research will be conducted?
The reactor will support research in advanced reactor technologies, materials testing, operator training, high-temperature process heat, hydrogen production, advanced energy conversion cycles, and other energy-related applications.
What makes NuCube's technology different?
NuCube's design combines TRISO fuel, heat-pipe cooling, and passive safety features. The design reduces reliance on complex active systems and relies on inherent safety characteristics to simplify operation.
What are the reactor's safety features?
The reactor is being designed with inherent and passive safety features that rely on natural physical principles rather than active safety systems. Like all reactors, it must satisfy rigorous federal safety and licensing requirements before it can operate.
Who regulates the project?
This project will be regulated by the Department of Energy through the Launch Pad USA program and will require approvals before construction and operation. Safety, security, environmental protection, fuel management, and emergency planning will all be evaluated through the DOE review process.
What happens to the used fuel?
ISU and NuCube are currently evaluating multiple options to ensure that used fuel will be removed at the end of reactor life. Those arrangements have not yet been finalized and will be completed in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements.
Why use TRISO fuel?
The reactor is designed to use TRISO fuel, which is widely recognized as one of the most robust nuclear fuels available today. Each fuel particle contains multiple protective layers designed to retain radioactive material during normal operation.
Where will the reactor be located?
The proposed reactor will be located at ISU's Research and Business Park in Pocatello.
When will construction begin?
The project is in the early planning stages. The construction schedule will depend on completion of design work, regulatory review, licensing, and required approvals.
What must happen before the project moves forward?
The project must complete engineering, environmental review as applicable, obtain regulatory approvals, and licensing before construction can begin. This includes identifying the disposition path for used fuel.
How can the public learn more?
ISU and NuCube are committed to regular project updates, clear public information, and creating opportunities for the public to ask questions and provide feedback as the project progresses.
Will there be public meetings?
Yes. Public information sessions and other engagement opportunities will be announced as the project advances.
How can I ask questions or provide input?
Questions and comments may be submitted through the project contact information provided on this website, or through the Community Feedback Survey.
Will this become a commercial nuclear power plant?
No. The current project is a university research reactor intended to support education, research, and technology demonstration.
Why Idaho State University?
Idaho State University sits at the core of the region's nuclear energy hub, pairing robust nuclear engineering programs with direct access to the Idaho National Laboratory. ISU brings advanced research facilities and technical leadership to regional energy projects. Alongside working with NuCube, an Idaho-based company, this environment makes ISU an ideal location for research, education, and innovation.