The U.S. Department of Energy has named two nuclear scientists to lead a research center at an eastern Idaho nuclear laboratory as part of an effort to revamp and increase the nation’s use of nuclear power.
“Building and operating advanced reactors is essential to U.S. leadership in nuclear energy, and these roles are essential to achieving that goal,” said John Wagner, associate laboratory director of Idaho National Laboratory’s Nuclear Science & Technology Directorate.
Ashley Finan will be the director, and Nicholas Smith will be deputy director of the National Reactor Innovation Center.
Authorized by the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, NRIC will provide resources to test, demonstrate and assess performance of new nuclear technologies, critical steps that must be completed before they are available commercially. Through NRIC, developers will gain access to the strategic infrastructure and assets of the national laboratories. These capabilities will support a timely and cost-effective path to licensing and commercializing new nuclear systems, which will generate carbon-free electricity and contribute to the decarbonization of major economic sectors.
Finan served most recently as executive director of the Nuclear Innovation Alliance, a nonprofit think tank working to enable nuclear power as a global solution to mitigate climate change. Prior to her work with NIA, Finan led nuclear innovation programs at Clean Air Task Force.
Smith has worked with the research and development organization of Atlanta-based Southern Co. since 2010, most recently as principal engineer. In this role, he oversaw a Generation IV nuclear reactor R&D program and was responsible for collaboration with reactor designers, national labs and policymakers, and early engagement with regulators.
