Idaho aims to anchor new nuclear innovation campus in Idaho

Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little announced today the State of Idaho has submitted its response to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Request for Information (RFI) inviting states to express interest in hosting Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses — a new federal effort to modernize the nation’s full nuclear fuel cycle and strengthen America’s leadership in advanced nuclear energy.

This initiative would further solidify Idaho’s position as the nation’s leader in nuclear innovation.

“Idaho is prepared to continue our tradition of nuclear excellence and build on the foundation that has already made our state great. Nuclear power presents an opportunity for Idaho families to continue receiving affordable, clean energy far into the future, and I support the growth of Idaho’s nuclear industry. I hope the Department of Energy will recognize Idaho’s historic nuclear leadership and its strong candidacy for this initiative,” Governor Little said.

States selected to host a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus would serve as central hubs for advanced nuclear development. Securing this designation would bolster Idaho’s economy, expand access to reliable baseload power, and position the state at the forefront of next‑generation nuclear technologies.

Idaho’s response was prepared in coordination with the newly established Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force, created by Executive Order in September 2025. The submission is supported by more than a dozen letters from private industry, as well as federal, state, and local leaders, underscoring broad momentum behind Idaho’s proposal.

“During a time of rising energy demand, there is no better place than Idaho to find new solutions for power generation. Idaho’s long history of partnering with the Idaho National Lab has prepared the state for success in the new nuclear renaissance. Idaho is home to the world’s first power‑generating nuclear reactor and is a world‑class partner for the U.S. Department of Energy to continue doing business with,” said Cally Younger, OEMR Administrator and Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force Member.

Idaho’s response can be viewed at: https://nuclear.idaho.gov/

For more information, contact: Cally Younger – Cally.Younger@oer.idaho.gov