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In the past, hydropower developers scouting out the perfect location for powerproducing devices relied on a combination of maps and stream gauges-and a lot of legwork. Even seasoned professionals describe knocking on the doors of strangers living near promising creeks. But a new tool, developed the hydropower group, allows people to find a . . . more ( 3.7MB PDF)

The science, engineering, and technologies that underpin INL's most visible missions in energy and homeland security are the responsibility of the Science & Technology (S&T) Directorate. The directorate addresses some of the nation's most pressing energy issues—including the rebirth of nuclear energy and the closing of the nuclear fuel cycle.

The S&T Directorate also focuses its science and technology on developing America's hydrogen economy and alternative fuels and energy systems. It supports the development of advanced energy storage and transportation systems, critical energy infrastructure, and water resources, and it manages the environmental consequences of energy development and use.

Divisions within INL's S&T Directorate carry out a range of multiprogram research and development activities with these and other diverse initiatives. For example, research is being conducted in the areas of compressed and liquefied natural gas; high powered batteries and ultra capacitors; integrated fuel processors and fuel cell systems; renewable energy systems; and carbon capture and sequestration. Still other research programs and projects involve hazardous waste management treatment; advanced offgas treatment systems; advanced welding systems; surface and subsurface monitoring systems; sustainable building design; and autonomous unmanned aerial and ground vehicles.

The S&T Directorate focuses its efforts on three sectors: Energy Environment, and Science. These three areas include a variety of work from all aspects of the S&T organization. They create an easy access to INL, while making the mission and direction of the S&T Directorate clear.

The S&T Directorate facilitates five labwide distinctive scientific signature capabilities: Instrumentation, Control, and Intelligent Systems; Materials and Nuclear Fuels Science and Technology; Microbiological and Geological Systems Science; Separations and Actinide Science; and Theory, Modeling, and Simulation (see CAMS). These distinctive signatures are used to guide investments in science and technology research.

The S&T Directorate also facilitates the Center for Advanced Modeling and Simulation (CAMS), which is a significant contributor to the science base. CAMS brings together INL’s resources with those of the National and Idaho University Consortia. Together these partners are building world-class computational capabilities in modeling and simulation of advanced energy systems—with emphasis on nuclear energy system concepts.

S&T currently has technology available for licensing. For more information on technology transfer, please visit our Technology Transfer web site for technology available for licensing.

Energy

With diminishing energy supplies, aging infrastructure and increasing energy costs, a worldwide search for more efficient and clean energy resources and power systems is underway. To help find solutions for these energy challenges, the U.S. government looks to DOE's national laboratories to ensure that energy security policies are being planned, developed, integrated and. . .more

Environment

INL hosts many environmental technologies—ranging from the use of naturally occurring microorganisms to remediate groundwater contaminants, mine leachate, as well as pulp and paper process wastes—to the demonstration of advanced robotic welding technology to seal spent nuclear fuel canisters destined for the proposed Yucca Mountain repository. And, the Laboratory is known for its 'distinctive scientific signature' research capabilities, including. . .more

Science

S&T's science base is expanding to accomplish the Laboratory's mission of ensuring the nation's energy security with safe, competitive, and sustainable energy systems. The Laboratory has taken steps to establish the capabilities, resources and infrastructure necessary to support the robust science base needed to create and foster the level of inquiry that breaks through the. . .more