At the center of nuclear reactors across the United States, a new type of chromium-coated fuel is being used to make the reactors more efficient and more resistant to accidents. The fuel is one of many innovations sprung from collaboration between researchers at MIT and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) ' a relationship that has altered the trajectory of the country's nuclear industry. Amid renewed excitement around nuclear energy in America, MIT's research community is working to further develop next-generation fuels, accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs), and enable the first nuclear reactor in space. Researchers at MIT and INL have worked closely for decades, and the collaboration takes many forms, including joint research efforts, student and postdoc internships, and a standing agreement that lets INL employees spend extended periods on MIT's campus researching and teaching classes. MIT is also a founding member of the Battelle Energy Alliance, which has...
learn more
