INL

INL most commonly refers to the Idaho National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory located near Idaho Falls, Idaho. It was established in 1949 as the National Reactor Testing Station and later named the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory before adopting its current name in 2005.

INL conducts research and development across nuclear energy, national security, and broader energy systems. Its work includes designing, testing, and evaluating nuclear reactors and fuels; materials science; chemistry; environmental management; and, increasingly, grid modernization and energy storage.

Facilities at INL include the Advanced Test Reactor, used for materials testing and irradiation experiments, along with support facilities such as hot cells and post-irradiation examination capabilities.

The laboratory is managed and operated for the DOE by Battelle Energy Alliance LLC, under a multiyear contract. INL collaborates with industry, academia, and other national laboratories to advance energy security, nuclear safety and nonproliferation, and environmental stewardship.