U.S. Department of Energy designates Idaho National Laboratory as its leading institution for critical research, development, and demonstration efforts concerning used nuclear fuel management.
January 14, 2026
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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy today announced the establishment of the Center for Used Fuel Research (Center) at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), officially designating INL as its leading institution for critical research, development, and demonstration efforts concerning used nuclear fuel (UNF) management. This strategic move underscores the DOE’s renewed commitment to solving one of the nation's most pressing energy and environmental challenges and delivers on a key element of the 1995 Idaho Settlement Agreement establishing INL as the DOE lead used nuclear fuel research laboratory.
The new Center is specifically designed to be a national and international hub for applied research on the management of UNF that supports and maintains compliance, and advances public confidence in the safe storage and transportation of both commercial and DOE-managed UNF. This initiative directly addresses DOE’s statutory responsibility for the disposition of UNF and would not have been possible without DOE and the State of Idaho agreeing to a targeted waiver of the 1995 Settlement Agreement, which happened in April 2025.
“Responsible management of used nuclear fuel is essential to the future of nuclear energy in the United States,” said Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Ted Garrish. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the establishment of the Center for Used Fuel Research at Idaho National Laboratory strengthens the Department’s ability to manage used nuclear fuel and unleash the next American nuclear renaissance, while delivering reliable, affordable, and secure energy for American families and businesses.”
As the lead institution, INL will coordinate a broad and diverse collaboration through a "hub-and-spoke" model. This network will encompass other national laboratories within the DOE complex, leading universities, and key industry partners across the United States. Crucially, the Center will also extend its support and actively collaborate with international partners.
DOE remains steadfast in its commitment to exploring actions necessary to renew, revitalize, and empower the next generation of nuclear energy, thereby securing vital energy resources for the United States.
About the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy:
The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy is committed to advancing nuclear power as a resource capable of meeting the nation's energy, environmental, and national security needs by resolving technical, cost, safety, and security barriers to the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.