Risch, Crapo, Simpson Celebrate Idaho Nuclear Tech Hub Designation

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo and U.S. Representative Mike Simpson (all R-Idaho) celebrated the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) announcement awarding approximately $31 million to the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Corridor (INEC) Tech Hub, a regional initiative led by the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium (IAEC) of more than 45 organizations across Idaho and Wyoming. The INEC Tech Hub aims to leverage the region’s existing nuclear ecosystem to accelerate the deployment and commercialization of advanced nuclear reactors, strengthen domestic nuclear supply chains, and enhance U.S. energy security. IAEC estimates the Tech Hub will create more than 900 high-paying jobs and generate $190 million in regional economic impact over five years. “The future of American nuclear energy is being developed in Idaho,” said Risch. “Today’s investment by the U.S. Department of Commerce in the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Consortium Tech Hub capitalizes on Idaho’s deep nuclear history and will expand opportunities for the West to maintain this strong reputation.” “This $31 million award is a significant investment in Idaho’s future and further establishes our state as a national leader in advanced nuclear energy,” said Crapo. “The INEC Tech Hub, led by the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium, will build on Idaho’s unmatched expertise and innovation in small modular reactors and reinforce our nation’s technological leadership while reducing reliance on foreign adversaries for critical energy capabilities. I congratulate the many public and private partners whose collaboration has helped make this achievement possible.” “I’m thrilled to celebrate the Department of Commerce’s $31 million investment in the INEC Tech Hub,” said Simpson. “After my Idaho colleagues and I expressed our strong support for this application, it is exciting to see this investment become a reality. This funding will strengthen American nuclear energy while reinforcing Idaho’s leadership in nuclear innovation. Today’s announcement is an important step toward advancing American energy dominance and strengthening our energy security.” “What we’re building here is bigger than any one organization, any one company, or any one community,” said Hope Morrow, IAEC Vice President and Workforce and Economic Development Manager at INL. “The INEC Tech Hub is what American innovation looks like when everyone brings their best — and the people of the Intermountain West are going to see the benefits in jobs, opportunity, and long-term energy security.” “The demand for nuclear energy is on the rise, and the Trump Administration is providing the energy industry with the resources it needs to meet that demand, including more nuclear reactors,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. “This award will position Idaho and Wyoming as global leaders in advanced small modular reactors and leverage the region’s existing nuclear manufacturing capabilities to accelerate reactor deployment, speed commercialization of next-generation reactors, and enhance U.S. energy security.” The $31 million investment will: Support advanced nuclear fuel fabrication, testing, and transportation; Train workers for careers in nuclear construction, manufacturing, fuel fabrication, and operations; and Help firms develop and strengthen the nuclear supply chain. Background: The Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hubs) Program aims to strengthen America’s economic competitiveness and national security by investing in regions making significant advancements in critical technologies. The Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act included $220 million in funding for Tech Hubs, including the INEC.