Where else could you find this kind of energy? At the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) our power comes from our people. Hardworking Americans who oversee the safe use of nuclear technology that powers communities, revolutionizes medicine, and empowers America.

Learn More

Research & Applications

Get to know MCRE, the fast-spectrum MSR from Southern and TerraPower

March 30, 2023, 9:30AMNuclear News
MCRE could be built inside the ZPPR cell (shown here) at INL’s Materials and Fuels Complex. (Photo: INL)

A tiny 200-kWt reactor the Department of Energy says would be the first critical fast-spectrum circulating fuel reactor and the first fast-spectrum molten salt reactor (MSR) could be built and operated inside the Zero Power Physics Reactor (ZPPR) cell at Idaho National Laboratory’s Materials and Fuels Center (MFC). Details included in the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE) draft environmental assessment (EA)—released on March 16 for two weeks of public comment (later extended to four weeks, through April 14)—covered the potential environmental impacts associated with the development, construction, operation, and decommissioning of MCRE at INL, facilitated by the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC).

To continue reading, log in or create a free account!

Related Articles

Mark Peters: Building on a strong foundation

July 10, 2026, 3:09PMNuclear NewsLucas Geiger

Summer at the American Nuclear Society carries with it a sense of renewed momentum as the incoming president takes office and starts making plans for the year ahead. This has been particularly...

ICYMI: Counting up INL’s reactors

July 10, 2026, 7:10AMNuclear News

Over the past two weeks, in the “Trivia Tuesday” and “Throwback Thursday” sections of Nuclear News Daily, we have dug into the story of Idaho National Laboratory’s official list of...

DOME: Legacy built, future ready

June 26, 2026, 2:59PMNuclear News

In 2019, a familiar landmark at Idaho National Laboratory was scheduled for demolition. Though striking for both its physical presence and its significance to nuclear history, the containment...