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GNEP Application Submitted for INL Site Studies

The Regional Development Alliance, Inc. (RDA), in partnership with Battelle Memorial Institute, AREVA, Washington Group International, and communities and organizations across the eastern Idaho region announced on September 7th the submission of a grant application to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for funds to study potential sites at INL for future Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) facilities.

Senator Larry Craig

GNEP is President Bush's initiative to use a nuclear fuel cycle that enhances energy security while promoting non-proliferation. The closed fuel cycle model envisioned by the partnership requires development and deployment of technologies that enable consumption of long-lived radioactive waste for the purpose of clean, proliferation resistant energy production.

The RDA's application submission is for a portion of $20 million set aside by DOE to perform site studies in potential locations across the country. The funds would be used to develop necessary data for siting the Consolidated Fuel Treatment Center (CFTC) and Advanced Burner Reactor (ABR) that would be critical to demonstrating the technology associated with the closed fuel cycle model.

"We are confident that the assets of DOE's Idaho National Laboratory provide the most favorable location in the country for facilities planned under the GNEP initiative," said Blake Hall, chairman of the board for the Regional Development Alliance. "The submission of the Idaho GNEP site studies application is one more demonstration of the support in eastern Idaho for nuclear technologies development. Not only do we have the sites, we have the support."

Senator Mike Crapo

"I am proud of the INL's long history of being at the forefront of developing nuclear energy in this country, including its more recent role as the Department of Energy's lead nuclear energy laboratory," said Sen. Larry Craig. "This application seeks to continue that tradition. The INL has exactly the kind of experience and expertise that can help make GNEP successful, and with the efforts of the RDA, Washington Group International, AREVA, and others, Idaho stands to continue to lead the way in helping to secure this country's future energy supply."

Senator Crapo said, "Through many different missions, and thanks to the leadership, community support, and skilled workforce at the site, Idaho National Laboratory has proven time and time again that it has the facilities, capability, and resources to get the job done. As the Administration forges ahead with its Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, I have no doubt that the INL, as the nation's premier nuclear energy research laboratory, will become a major player in GNEP program."

Representative Mike Simpson

"I want to commend the RDA, AREVA, INL, and everyone associated with this application for the hard work and dedication to the future of nuclear energy," Rep. Mike Simpson said. "INL is our nation's premier nuclear energy laboratory and is poised to play a leading role in the future of GNEP and all of our nuclear research programs."

"The preparation of this Site Study submission is truly a tangible indicator of the leadership, collaboration and commitment to our nation's energy future that resides in the cities and counties that surround the Idaho National Laboratory," said Adm. John Grossenbacher. "The staff and management of the INL sincerely appreciate this effort and look forward to demonstrating that significant elements of the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership project should be located at the nation's lead laboratory for nuclear energy research, development and demonstration.