U of I, Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium earn $500K to advance clean energy
August 22, 2024
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho 鈥� The 果冻传媒麻豆社 College of Engineering聽is part of the 聽leading the (INEC) Tech Hub, which was recently awarded a $500,000 Consortium Accelerator Award from the federal government through the U.S. Department of Commerce鈥檚 Economic Development Administration.
Funding will be used to implement INEC鈥檚 strategy and business plan focused on advanced nuclear reactor deployments, including technology advancements, workforce and supply chain development, and fuel support for the domestic nuclear industry.
Recently recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce鈥檚 (EDA) for its ability to strengthen workforce development and the region鈥檚 capacity to manufacture, commercialize and deploy technology, INEC is one of the identified regions across the nation selected for its high potential to become an epicenter for globally competitive innovation.
The award highlights the INEC Tech Hub鈥檚 continued role in strengthening U.S. economic and national security as the only advanced nuclear tech hub. The award marks INEC鈥檚 passage into the EDA鈥檚 Phase 2 funding opportunity earlier in August.
鈥淯 of I is proud to be part of the consortium of global leaders who are putting our region front and center as a powerhouse of competitive research and next-generation nuclear technologies,鈥� said Suzie Long, dean of the U of I College of Engineering. 鈥淚NEC reaching this next step in the phased funding process is a testament to the incredible advanced manufacturing capabilities our region has been strengthening for decades.鈥�
U of I was recently endorsed by the International Atomic Energy Agency for its nuclear technology management master鈥檚 program. U of I is one of two U.S. universities to hold this endorsement.
U of I鈥檚 nuclear engineering program in Idaho Falls began in 1954 and was developed in partnership with Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the advanced nuclear energy leader responsible for the world鈥檚 first usable electricity generated by nuclear power and innovation in small modular reactor (SMR) technology. Idaho is host to the first micro and SMR demonstration and deployment. SMRs are known for their lower cost and improved safety and security. The reactors use energy from a controlled nuclear chain reaction to create steam, which powers a turbine to produce electricity.
U of I and INL research initiatives funded by federal and state agencies include advanced nuclear energy reactors, advanced manufacturing across food-energy-water systems, cyberinfrastructure and cybersecurity, as well as biotechnology development for renewable materials production and critical materials extraction and recovery.
U of I is also a partner in the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Tech Hub, led by Gonzaga University, which will focus on the development of advanced composite materials in the Inland Northwest to create lighter and more fuel-efficient aircraft at a lower cost.
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U of I College of Engineering
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About the 果冻传媒麻豆社
The 果冻传媒麻豆社, home of the Vandals, is Idaho鈥檚 land-grant, national research university. From its residential campus in Moscow, U of I serves the state of Idaho through educational centers in Boise, Coeur d鈥橝lene and Idaho Falls, nine research and Extension centers, plus Extension offices in 42 counties. Home to more than 12,000 students statewide, U of I is a leader in student-centered learning and excels at interdisciplinary research, service to businesses and communities, and in advancing diversity, citizenship and global outreach. U of I competes in the Big Sky and Western Athletic conferences. Learn more at uidaho.edu.