The Idaho-Wyoming nuclear industry partnership has secured a $31 million federal award to expand workforce development and manufacturing capacity for next-generation energy technologies.
The funding supports the Intermountain West Energy Corridor, which the U.S. Department of Commerce designated last year as the nation’s only nuclear energy-focused Tech Hub. The designation recognizes the region’s established infrastructure and institutional knowledge in nuclear engineering, a field with roots dating back to 1949 at the Idaho National Laboratory site.
The Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium, a nonprofit coordinating body, has partnered with various organizations for nearly three years to prepare the region for these advancements. The consortium convenes partners across construction, manufacturing, transportation, and education sectors without advocating for or against specific policy proposals.
More than 45 organizations across Idaho and Wyoming are now collaborating under this framework. The group includes the Idaho National Laboratory, the Idaho Environmental Coalition, regional colleges and universities, and dozens of industry entities.
Idaho possesses a highly skilled nuclear workforce that has historically supported durable careers at the Department of Energy’s premier nuclear laboratory. New missions at the facility continue to advance technical fields while supporting local employment.
The partnership focuses on small modular reactor development, hydrogen production, and next-generation grid technology. These sectors represent significant opportunities for domestic energy production and industrial growth in the Intermountain West.
By leveraging existing expertise and infrastructure, Idaho and Wyoming aim to lead the country’s transition toward advanced energy systems.