A “first-of-its-kind” microreactor test bed that will enable rapid development, testing and demonstration of privately developed advanced nuclear reactors has opened at the federal Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in the US.

INL said in a statement that the “highly anticipated” Demonstration of Microreactor Experiments (Dome) test bed at INL’s National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) is “open for business”.

The test bed will play a role in reinvigorating the American nuclear energy industry and meeting the nation’s need to produce abundant, affordable and reliable power, the statement said.

Dome was developed as a hands-on demonstration facility for industry. INL said the nation’s growing demand for advanced nuclear energy required a dedicated, world-class testing environment that only a US Department of Energy national laboratory could provide.