The National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) Demonstration of Microreactor Experiments (DOME) test bed has officially opened, marking a major milestone for advanced nuclear innovation in the United States. Located at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), DOME is a pioneering facility designed to support the rapid development, testing, and demonstration of privately developed microreactor technologies.
As the first dedicated microreactor test bed of its kind, DOME is expected to play a central role in revitalizing the American nuclear energy sector. It will help accelerate the deployment of advanced reactors capable of delivering abundant, affordable, and reliable energy to meet growing national demand.
Originally conceived as a hands-on demonstration platform for industry, DOME was developed in recognition of the urgent need for a world-class testing environment for next-generation nuclear systems. Built within a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, the facility provides a secure and highly specialized space where innovative reactor concepts can be validated under real-world conditions. In line with national nuclear energy priorities and executive directives, its construction timeline was accelerated by nearly a year to support faster industry deployment.
The grand opening ceremony was held on April 8 at INL’s Materials and Fuels Complex, bringing together officials from both the laboratory and the Department of Energy to celebrate the milestone.
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Speaking at the event, Dr. Rian Bahran, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors, emphasized the strategic importance of the facility. “The DOME test bed will be a cornerstone of the Department of Energy’s comprehensive strategy to re-establish U.S. leadership in advanced nuclear technologies,” he said. He noted that the facility will provide critical infrastructure for testing and validating new reactor designs, helping accelerate innovation while supporting energy security and economic growth.
INL Director John Wagner also highlighted the significance of the project, describing it as a bold step forward for the industry. “DOME represents the kind of bold and creative infrastructure investment that America’s nuclear resurgence demands,” he said. He added that the facility will help move nuclear innovation from concept to demonstration at an unprecedented pace.
The DOME test bed is built around a repurposed structure from the Experimental Breeder Reactor-II, a former reactor facility at INL. The impressive structure, measuring 80 feet in diameter and 100 feet in height, has been transformed into a highly flexible testing environment. It is designed to safely host experimental microreactor systems generating up to 20 megawatts of thermal energy, allowing developers to collect critical performance data under controlled but realistic operating conditions.
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That data will be essential for validating designs, supporting regulatory approval processes, and reducing both the cost and timeline of future reactor deployment. By bridging the gap between concept and real-world demonstration, DOME provides a unique pathway for accelerating commercialization of advanced nuclear technologies.
NRIC Director Brad Tomer emphasized the facility’s role in enabling innovation at scale. “NRIC built this test bed to answer the need of industry to have a facility that would enable them to swiftly convert their innovative concepts into practical demonstrations,” he said. He added that insights gained from testing will help transform early-stage reactor ideas into validated, deployable technologies.
Access to DOME will be managed through an annual competitive application process. Experiment scheduling will depend on factors such as technology readiness, fuel availability, and regulatory approval plans. Participating organizations will fund their own testing campaigns, ensuring a structured and collaborative development model.
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INL is already preparing for the first nuclear-fueled experiment at the facility later this year. Radiant’s Kaleidos Demonstration Unit is expected to begin a year-long testing program this spring, marking the start of active operations at the landmark facility.
