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New lab director expects more work on next wave of reactors
by Keith Ridler, The Associated Press
Posted Dec 16, 2020 6:19 pm EDT
Last Updated Dec 16, 2020 at 6:28 pm EDT
FILE - This Nov. 29, 2018, file photo shows the Transient Test Reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory about 50 miles west of Idaho Falls, in eastern Idaho. Director John Wagner, the new director of Idaho National Laboratory, said its efforts to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by creating a new generation of nuclear reactors appears to align with the goals of the incoming Biden administration and will likely receive ongoing bipartisan support. (AP Photo/Keith Ridler, File)
16 December 2020 12:14 GMT Updated 16 December 2020 12:53 GMT
A three US laboratory skunk-works has modelled a hybrid energy network that weaves together renewables, nuclear and fossil-fired generation with carbon capture, which its engineers suggest could form the basis of a future system that has “resilience, reliability, affordability and security while increasing flexibility and sustainability”.
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The all-energy system developed by researchers from the Department of Energy’s three applied energy laboratories – Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NET) – and outlined a paper in the scientific journal
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Future novel hybrid energy systems could lead to paradigm shifts in clean energy production, according to a paper published last week in
Joule.
Researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy s (DOE s) three applied energy laboratories Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) co?authored the paper describing such integrated energy systems.
Their effort outlines novel concepts to simultaneously leverage diverse energy generators including renewable, nuclear, and fossil with carbon capture to provide power, heat, mobility, and other energy services. The historic collaboration between the nation s nuclear energy, renewable energy, and fossil energy laboratories aims to address a grand national challenge from an objective, holistic perspective.
The new director of Idaho National Laboratoryâs first day on the job was Friday.
John Wagner is a Missouri native who was INLâs associate laboratory director for nuclear science and technology before moving into his new role and who worked at Tennesseeâs Oak Ridge National Laboratory for 17 years before moving to Idaho five years ago. He said he is passionate about the labâs entire mission.
âI know this laboratory,â he said in an interview Monday. âI certainly know the nuclear portfolio. I know a fair bit about the broader laboratory, but I have a lot to learn there.â