Cheyenne, WY – The State of Wyoming has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Batelle Energy Alliance, the operating contractor of the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to collaborate in the research, development, demonstration and deployment of advanced energy technologies and approaches.

The partnership will focus primarily on advanced nuclear technology; the nuclear fuel cycle; hydrogen production, transportation and consumption in industrial applications; and other advanced energy systems through a regional to global approach. The MOU also encourages cooperation to ensure training and education for workers in the uranium and nuclear industries.

“While the Natrium project is a great start, my goal is to also establish a nuclear industry using Wyoming uranium and Wyoming workers,” Governor Mark Gordon said. “ This MOU will assist in this effort.”

Kemmerer has been chosen as a site for a new Natrium reactor with early work being completed now.

Kemmerer City Administrator says there will be economic opportunities southwest Wyoming will need to consider with nuclear facility project.

INL is a long-standing national industry leader and Wyoming has the natural resources, infrastructure and technical expertise to provide affordable and secure energy across the United States. The MOU, in place for five years, demonstrates Wyoming’s continued commitment to providing solutions to a shifting global marketplace that is increasingly moving toward decarbonized products.

“This MOU formalizes and structures a relationship that has been developing over several years,” said Dr. Glen Murrell, Executive Director of the Wyoming Energy Authority. “The INL’s expertise and impartiality will play a critical role in the ongoing execution of Wyoming’s all-of-the-above energy strategy.”

The Idaho National Laboratory is the nation’s premier nuclear energy laboratory, and a major source of innovation and capability in national security and broader energy, energy conversion, and energy utilization technologies. In operation since 1949, the INL has a focused approach to advance energy leadership on a worldwide scale by working with regional stakeholders to secure their position in advanced technology deployment and their place in regional, national and global markets.

For more information, the complete MOU may be found here.