Department of Energy to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement as Part of Exploration into Constructing a Versatile Test Reactor
Department of Energy to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement as Part of Exploration into Constructing a Versatile Test Reactor
The Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced that it will be developing an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to gain a greater knowledge of the effects of building a Versatile Test Reactor in the U.S. to test future fuels and materials that industry is designing for advanced civilian nuclear power reactors to provide large amounts of carbon-free, economical electricity for the nation’s power grid.
“This testing capability is essential for the United States to modernize its nuclear energy infrastructure and for developing transformational nuclear energy technologies that reduce waste generation and enhance nuclear security,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry. “Lack of a domestic reactor with versatile fast-neutron-spectrum testing capability is a significant national strategic risk affecting the ability of DOE to fulfill its mission to advance the energy, environmental, and nuclear security of the United States and promote scientific and technological innovation.”
DOE welcomes public feedback on what should be included in the scope of the draft EIS. There are currently two locations being considered for a U.S. Versatile Test Reactor: Idaho National Laboratory in eastern Idaho, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in eastern Tennessee. Additionally, the Idaho National Laboratory and Savannah River Site in western Georgia are currently being considered as locations for the fabrication of the fuel required to run the Versatile Test Reactor.
DOE will be hosting two webcast scoping meetings to provide additional information on these projects on August 27 at 6pm ET/4PM MT, and August 28 at 8pm ET/6pm MT. Participants interested in joining one of these calls can call 877-869-3847 during the call time.
For further information, and to submit a written comment, click here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/08/05/2019-16578/notice-of-intent-to-prepare-an-environmental-impact-statement-for-a-versatile-test-reactor
“This testing capability is essential for the United States to modernize its nuclear energy infrastructure and for developing transformational nuclear energy technologies that reduce waste generation and enhance nuclear security,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry. “Lack of a domestic reactor with versatile fast-neutron-spectrum testing capability is a significant national strategic risk affecting the ability of DOE to fulfill its mission to advance the energy, environmental, and nuclear security of the United States and promote scientific and technological innovation.”
DOE welcomes public feedback on what should be included in the scope of the draft EIS. There are currently two locations being considered for a U.S. Versatile Test Reactor: Idaho National Laboratory in eastern Idaho, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in eastern Tennessee. Additionally, the Idaho National Laboratory and Savannah River Site in western Georgia are currently being considered as locations for the fabrication of the fuel required to run the Versatile Test Reactor.
DOE will be hosting two webcast scoping meetings to provide additional information on these projects on August 27 at 6pm ET/4PM MT, and August 28 at 8pm ET/6pm MT. Participants interested in joining one of these calls can call 877-869-3847 during the call time.
For further information, and to submit a written comment, click here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/08/05/2019-16578/notice-of-intent-to-prepare-an-environmental-impact-statement-for-a-versatile-test-reactor
Related Content
Energy Blog: Noticeable Eclipse Impact on Electricity Sector
Apr 17, 2024
Using Lasers to Create the Power of the Stars on Earth
Apr 11, 2024
Doug Hammond and Focused Energy look to meet the challenges of developing laser-driven inertial confinement fusion energy for commercial electricity production.
Energy Blog: Heat Batteries Step into the Spotlight
Mar 19, 2024
Lithium-ion batteries are backing up wind and solar power systems, but heat energy storage has cost, materials advantages.
The Evolving Manner of Leadership Skills
Mar 7, 2024
Good leaders must be flexible enough to know how changing times and circumstances affect their role in managing people and teams. But some situations still can benefit from an old-skill approach.