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 9Nuclear Reactor Sustainment and IntegratedExpanded DeploymentEnergy SystemsINL focuses on technology optionsThis initiative will enable sustained and ranging from small modular LWRs to aexpanded nuclear energy deployment, suite of non-light-water technologiesas well as advance the integration of to sustain the existing light-waterintermittent renewable energy sources fleet and expand the deployment ofonto the electric grid. The current nuclear power. Near-term microreactornuclear fleet and next generation demonstrations and the fast-spectrumnuclear plants can be increasingly capability of the Versatile Test Reactorsustained by optimizing the use of the (VTR) enable strategies for this mixed- high-quality heat generated by nuclear technology nuclear future. Significantfission to support electricity production scientific advancements in materialsas well asindustrial processes such and fuels are imperative to achieveas hydrogen generation, production reactor sustainment and deployment. of potable water, and chemical manufacturing. INL conducts extensive Integrated Fuel Cycle Solutions simulation, optimization, and real-time experimental demonstration to support Research at INL is focused on creatingthe deployment of efficient, reliable, and solutions for the safe, secure andresilient integrated energy systems for all economic management of used nuclearenergy use sectors.fuel (UNF). This involves developing innovative solutions for the storage,Secure and Resilient Cyber-Physical Systemstransportation, and treatment of used fuel, including the recovery of valuableThe realities of todays threat reusable materials. These materials, suchenvironment require inherently resilient as high-assay low enriched uraniumcyber and physical security for all energy (HALEU), will be needed to fuel manysystems. INL advances automated advanced reactors that have beencontrol solutions for vital systems and proposed by industry.RD&D within thiscritical infrastructures through its well-initiative focuses on novel treatment ofestablished control systems cybersecurity fuels, recovery of value-added products,capability. The combination of INLs and responsible and cost-effectivethreat analysis and consequence-based management of wastes for futureprioritization with process technology nuclear systems.and embedded, component, and system security RD&D propels the development Advanced Materials and Manufacturing forof automated threat responses and self-Extreme Environments healing systems that limit the physical effects of cyberattacks.Radically innovative materials and manufacturing techniques must be created to realize a nuclear future that is economically sustainable. INL develops materials that can sustain environments that are high radiation, temperature, and pressure and highly corrosive, and it forges new methods to efficiently manufacture components capable of withstanding extreme conditions. INL is developing new national capabilities, including additive and electric field-assisted sintering, to characterize, develop, and manufacture the needed materials. 7'