Innovations discussed at first-ever Advanced Nuclear Summit

The first-ever Advanced Nuclear Summit and Showcase was held on Monday in Washington, D.C.

The event -- hosted by Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Idaho National Laboratory and D.C. public-policy think tank Third Way brought together lawmakers, investors and scientists who are developing advanced nuclear technology to discuss the latest breakthroughs.

Near the end of 2015, President Obama earmarked approximately $900 million in the fiscal 2017 budget to facilitate research and development into nuclear energy technology. Most of this research would be part of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) program.

“The Advanced Nuclear Summit symbolizes the monumental progress that has been made over the last decade to develop affordable, reliable, safe and clean advanced nuclear technology. If commercialized, advanced nuclear can strengthen our grid, help address climate and maintain a robust domestic nuclear sector,” Clean Energy Program VIce President Josh Freed said.

Through the GAIN program, the Idaho National Laboratory is tasked with establishing a point of access for private companies to invest in nuclear technology.

“What the Advanced Nuclear Summit demonstrates is that there is a robust advanced nuclear sector being developed by private companies and research institutions,” Freed said.