ORNL supports Natura Resources’ graphite planning initiative
ORNL is working with Natura Resources to support a new irradiation experiment to develop a graphite qualification program for nuclear reactors.
Fission Nuclear Science and Technology
Gov. Lee touts Tennessee’s nuclear past and future, spotlights ORNL’s Whedbee in State of the State
In his State of the State address Monday night, Gov. Bill Lee called Tennessee a “new frontier” for nuclear energy, while also honoring its history – calling out Oak Ridge National Lab’s Michael Whedbee as an example.
Capps receives ANS Landis Young Member Engineering Award
Capps is being recognized for his leadership in advancing the safe and economic expansion of nuclear power by leveraging advanced modeling and simulation to facilitate accelerated testing and licensing of high burnup and accident-tolerant fuel, representing key innovations for the future of commercial nuclear energy.
Partnership and innovation focus of Italian nuclear energy delegation visit to ORNL
The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory hosted a delegation of Italian energy officials and leaders from April 7 through 15, spotlighting a shared commitment to innovation and international partnership in advanced nuclear and fusion energy.
ORNL sets up molten salt test stand in Thermal Hydraulics Laboratory
ORNL recently established a state-of-the-art laboratory capability in the Thermal Hydraulics High-Bay Laboratory to provide a prototypic full-scale high-temperature test environment for high-temperature molten chloride salt energy systems.
US, UK energy leaders visit ORNL to collaborate on nuclear energy R&D
The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory recently hosted senior energy leaders from the United Kingdom and United States to focus on the important role that civilian nuclear energy serves now and moving forward to meet ever-increasing global demands for low-carbon energy. The international meeting coincided with a meeting in Washington, D.C., between U.S. President Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to discuss US-UK leadership on issues of global importance – including civil nuclear energy.
Expanding fission software to tackle ITER’s fusion challenges
An ORNL fission software platform has been adapted to help solve challenges in fusion energy development, building on ORNL’s history of more than 75 years in fission and over 60 years in fusion.
Rike Bostelmann: Shaping the future of nuclear energy through modeling and simulation
Friederike (Rike) Bostelmann, who began her career in Germany, chose to come to Oak Ridge National Laboratory to become part of the Lab’s efforts to shape the future of nuclear energy. As a nuclear data and reactor physics analyst, she focuses her work at ORNL on modeling and simulation of non-light-water reactor systems. If adopted, the new technology of these reactors could reshape the energy supply for both electric power production and process heat for industrial needs.
Fission research propels space exploration
ORNL’s engineers and scientists in nuclear energy support the nation's space exploration program by applying their expertise to advance technology for space exploration missions.
Making the invisible visible
Using augmented reality goggles, the Virtual Interaction with Physics Enhanced Reality project could benefit multiple sectors from space exploration to nuclear energy to emergency response.
Speeding the pace of technology adoption in nuclear energy
ORNL experts quicken the deployment of next-generation nuclear energy technology by collaborating closely with industry partners. Industry turns to us for scientific and engineering expertise and world-class facilities that can’t easily be replicated. Here we share some of the impacts and success of industry partnerships in the Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate.
American Nuclear Society elects ORNL’s Betzler to reactor physics committee
The American Nuclear Society has elected Ben Betzler, from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, to the executive committee of its Reactor Physics Division. Betzler will serve on the committee for a three-year term. The Reactor Physics Division’s objectives are to promote the advancement of knowledge and understanding of the fundamental physical phenomena