b'O V E R V I E W O F T H E L A B O R A T O R Y P L A N 2 0 1 9I N D U S T R Y P A R T N E R S H I P SI NL recognizes that industrythrough an established organizational partnerships are critical tofunctionality dedicated to making accomplishing its mission and isindustry collaboration with INL as committed to fostering U.S. industrialseamless as possible. These efforts help competitiveness through its RD&D.transfer technologies that advance INL is actively growing the qualityenergy assurance, national security, and quantity of these relationshipspublic benefit, and economic growth.S P OT L I G H TSThe Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) initiative led by INL is positively impacting industry efforts to sustain the existing domestic fleet of nuclear reactors and advance the next generation, including SMRs, microreactors, and LWRs.Twelve recipients were awarded vouchers totaling $4,515,000 through three complete rounds of the GAIN NE-Voucher Program. GAIN uses NE Vouchers as one method of providing advanced nuclear technology developers access to world-class expertise and capabilities available at DOE national laboratories. NE Vouchers fund a DOE national laboratory to conduct research or provide technical support activities to help businesses overcome challenges in critical technology and commercialization.INLs application of integrated modeling and experimentation to materials and fuels needs, fabrication assistance, advanced systems augmentation (e.g., advanced intelligent, secure control systems and approaches), and regulatory assistance will be key in meeting national strategic goals for nuclear energy deployment.INL developed the process and used advanced manufacturing techniques to fabricate over 200 uranium silicide fuel pellets for Westinghouse in support of insertion into a commercial reactor in 2019. The uranium silicide pellets are the first new fuel to be tested directly in a commercial power plant in several decades and are expected to help plants operate more efficiently.In partnership with nuclear energy industry leaders, INL is facilitating the deployment of the nations first, modern, commercial SMR.When deployed on the INL Site, the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) Carbon Free Power Project with the NuScale SMR will play a key role in demonstrating commercial viability of this 20 innovative nuclear power technology and open new avenues for carbon-free power generation.'