New authorization rating elevates Idaho National Laboratory's priority status with the U.S. supply chain to expedite construction of microreactor test beds
May 28, 2025
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Idaho National Laboratory (INL) received priority rating authorization by the federal government to expedite the construction of the world’s first two microreactor test beds.
The new rating builds off recent actions by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to streamline construction projects across the national laboratories to restore energy dominance and help spur U.S. innovation.
Cutting the Procurement Line
INL submitted a special priorities request in early May to DOE to receive priority rating authorization on contracts and orders related to the construction of the DOME and LOTUS microreactor test beds.
The two test beds will help reactor developers test their fueled microreactor experiments quickly, safely, and cost-effectively by levering existing infrastructure at the lab.
DOE determined the request met the criteria under the Defense Production Act and the priority rating was then authorized by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The new rating elevates the lab’s priority status with the U.S. supply chain to expedite construction of the test beds, with DOME currently tracking to receive the first experiment as early as 2026.
“As President Trump and Secretary Wright have directed, we are coordinating across the federal government and using every tool at our disposal to unleash American energy abundance and dominance,” said Rian Bahran DOE Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors. “The priority rating under the Defense Production Act for these reactor test beds at Idaho National Laboratory will be an important instrument ensuring we start the American nuclear renaissance now.”
Microreactor Testbeds
Microreactors are small, factory-built nuclear reactors that can provide between 1 to 50 megawatts of reliable power to remote locations, military bases, and commercial operations.
The DOME and LOTUS test beds are being operated by DOE’s National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) to accelerate the demonstration and deployment of advanced reactor systems.
The DOME test bed is repurposing the lab’s Experimental Breeder Reactor-II containment structure to lower the risk of developing microreactor designs capable of producing 20 megawatts or less of thermal energy.
The LOTUS test bed will be housed in the lab’s former Zero Power Physics Reactor facility, which will conduct the world’s first fast-spectrum, salt-fueled reactor test led by Southern Company and TerraPower.
“This priority rating will significantly reduce the time it will take to secure the components and services we need to complete the test beds and help microreactor developers stay on their aggressive schedules,” said Brad Tomer, Director of NRIC.
What’s Next
INL will now work to amend its contracts and orders to include the priority rating in accordance with federal law.
The authorization is limited to contracts and orders that are delayed or could negatively impact the program’s ability to meet national defense requirements.