DOE accepting comments on microreactor project proposed for INL

The MARVEL project is proposed for inside INL's Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT), which resumed operations in late 2017 after a 23-year hiatus.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced Monday the start of a 14-day public review and comment period on a draft environmental assessment for a proposal to construct the Microreactor Applications Research Validation & EvaLuation (MARVEL) project microreactor inside Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL’s) Transient Reactor Test Facility.

The MARVEL design is a sodium-potassium-cooled, thermal microreactor with a power level of less than 100 kilowatts of electricity using High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU).
“Nuclear energy has always been a reliable power source that doesn’t emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere,” said Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner. “MARVEL takes the next step. It will provide for prompt, small-scale demonstrations of several environmentally friendly technologies associated with advanced microreactors as well as larger reactors, which will benefit the nuclear energy industry and end-users.”

“MARVEL will be capable of testing power applications such as load-following electricity demand to complement intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. It will also test the use of nuclear energy for water purification, hydrogen production, and heat for chemical processing. It will additionally provide industry partners with the ability to test new microreactor-related technologies and will provide real-world, viewable examples of how commercial end-users could incorporate microreactors into their clean energy portfolios.”

Ever since the first useable amount of electricity generated by nuclear energy was demonstrated in 1951 at the Experimental Breeder Reactor-I in Idaho, nuclear power has played an essential role in U.S. electricity generation. Nuclear energy today generates nearly 20% of the nation’s electricity and about 55% of U.S. carbon-free electricity. That electricity is generated by large light-water reactors that each generate hundreds and sometimes thousands of megawatts of electricity, with each megawatt being enough to power about 1,000 homes.

International interest is now growing in microreactors: very small, factory fabricated, transportable reactors. Microreactors can be used in remote communities, industrial sites and defense bases, as well as for applications such as backup generation for power plants, humanitarian assistance, water purification, hydrogen production and disaster relief missions.  Just like large traditional reactors, microreactors also use fission to produce energy with no carbon emissions.

The DOE Microreactor Program supports research and development (R&D) of microreactor technologies. Led by INL, the program conducts both fundamental and applied R&D to reduce the risks associated with new technology performance and manufacturing readiness of microreactors. The intent is to ensure that microreactor concepts can be commercially licensed and deployed and to reinvigorate U.S. leadership in nuclear energy.

As part of the DOE Microreactor Program, INL is planning to develop MARVEL at INL to perform R&D on various operational features of microreactors to improve integration of microreactors with end-user applications. This will accelerate the development of commercial microreactors to provide essential electricity and energy-intensive services to power our lives.

The draft environmental assessment prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act is posted for public review at: https://www.id.energy.gov/insideNEID/PDF/Final%20MARVEL%20Draft%20EA%20DOE%20EA-2146.pdf

The 14-day public comment period on the draft environmental assessment will conclude on January 26, 2021. Comments can be submitted by mail to Garrett Kropp, 1955 Fremont Ave., 83415-1222 or by email to marvel@id.doe.gov. Paper copies of the document are available on request.

INL ranks #24 among best places to work for women, diverse managers

Ashley Finan

Diversity MBA, a national leadership organization that integrates diversity and inclusion with talent management, ranked Idaho National Laboratory #24 in the nation for Best Places to Work for Women & Diverse Managers and in the Top 10 Best in Class Categories for Recruitment, Workplace Inclusion and Accountability.

Companies recognized as Best in Class have demonstrated consistent and excellent practices, with metrics aligned to a strategy that results in impactful change. Diversity MBA’s methodology uses a multitiered process that involves primary and secondary research. The rankings are based on an extensive survey and statistical analysis performed by DePaul University, Chicago. Companies were selected based on scores in six categories: representation, board diversity, recruitment, workplace inclusion, retention, succession planning and accountability.

Richard Farrar

The recognitions were shared with the broader community via the Diversity MBA 2020 50 Out Front Magazine.“These recognitions demonstrate to themarketplace and business community that INL’s commitment to inclusive diversity is embedded as part of the lab’s culture, belief structure and values,” said Juan Alvarez, INL’s deputy laboratory director for Management and Operations and chief operations officer. “They are great motivation to keep the pedal to the floor and continue our positive momentum.”

In addition to the organization awards, Diversity MBA Magazine also named four INL leaders to their 2020 Top 100 Under 50 Executive and Emerging Leaders list. This recognition represents outstanding achievements in

Ning Kang

community, leadership and education. Each awardee must pass a rigorous screening process, have an advanced degree or certification, and can only receive the award once in a lifetime.

Awardees were recognized in the fall issue of Diversity MBA Magazine, which has over 1.9 million readers. Diversity MBA’s list includes both emerging and executive leaders.

Congratulations to INL’s Top 100 Under 50 Executive and Emerging Leader Award winners:

• Richard Farrar, M.S., Analytical Research Laboratories research manager

• Ashley Finan, Ph.D., National Reactor Innovation Center director

• Ning Kang, Ph.D., PE, Power & Energy Systems department manager

• Ryan Petersen, J.D., Labor and Employment Law senior counsel

Ryan Petersen

“This is an outstanding honor for our laboratory. Thank you all for helping INL increase its global visibility and reputation as an inclusively diverse employer of choice,“ said Alvarez.

Awardees were invited to attend the virtual Awards Gala during the Diversity MBA 14th Annual National Elite Business Leaders Conference.

First Idaho Falls building permit of 2021 filed

Newspapers used to salute the first baby born in the new year with gifts contributed by local businesses -- toys, clothing, diapers, supplies, even savings bonds. It was a cute practice, and one I kind of miss.

In that spirit, BizMojo Idaho would like to salute the first Idaho Falls building permit of 2021. I wish I could say it was some grand new project: Trader Joe's, Dunkin' Donuts, In-N-Out Burger, but alas, it is far more humble. The first building permit, COM21-0001, is for a basement remodel at 1165 Canal Avenue. The applicant is 3D Siding and the owner is listed at Phil Henrie of Ammon. The permit description reads: "Adding additional unit in basement of existing duplex." The job value is estimated at $0 and the total fees charged amounted to $70.

Rest assured that when a big commercial project does rear its head we will be on the lookout. And no, it doesn't look like In-N-Out or Dunkin' will be in the area anytime soon, based on these stories in BoiseDev.com:

In-N-Out Burger sets plan for Boise, but it will be a while still  

IKEA? In-N-Out? Dunkin’? A crystal ball look at when the area could get some big names

 

 

 

From manure to domes | Mike Hunter, Domtec International

Mike Hunter, Domtec Interntional

Based in Idaho Falls, Domtec International builds and sells domes all over the world, as storage buildings and as hurricane and tornado shelters. But the company's origins are in the dirt.

As a young, newly married man, Mike Hunter had purchased some farmland near Hamer. One day, while hauling manure from the feedlot pens and spreading it on the farm fields, he thought to himself there had to be a better way of making a living. He envisioned himself traveling the world making business deals. Hunter left the farm and tried his hand in sales, eventually finding himself working for a company that made dome potato storage units.

After the original owners decided to move to California, Mike and another employee of the company decided to break off and do their own business. They were successful, but within the first couple of years it was clear the partnership wasn't going to work long term.

His jumping-off point came when he was in Germany negotiating a deal. The German company wanted Hunter and his partner to be the general contractors, a role they had not previously played. When Hunter approached his partner about taking the role he said no. He decided to do it on his own, and Domtec International was born.

One of the biggest challenges that Hunter faces is finding, training and keeping staff to work on the domes, because they can be working on a project for months away from home.
When asked about whether or not a college degree is needed to have a successful business, he replied, “A university isn't the only place you can get an education if you're a hard worker, and if you really pay attention and if you're really observant. If you want to learn, if you're just naturally curious, and you'll try to learn what you have to learn, you can learn it.”

Domtec International frequently does work in foreign companies. The secret to success of working internationally is partnering with local experts. “If you know how to do it, it's not that hard. It was daunting but now that I've been through it several times it's not all that difficult,” Hunter said.

His advice to those considering self-employment is to believe in themselves and sell a product that other people need to solve their problems. “If you take the time and do the hard work to be an expert in that then it's just a matter of sticking with it and working it out,” he said.

He also advises business owners to embrace delayed gratification. Many of the profits that come from a business need to be reinvested into the business. Hunter likes to quote Dave Ramsey: “If you will live like nobody else then eventually you can live like nobody else.”

He admits he often felt like a fraud at the beginning of his business. “In time you start to get comfort in your own skin,” he said. In his own experience, and based on what he's heard from others, a little bit of fear is a good thing.

When asked what motivates him today, Hunter said, “I've met some great people in different parts of the world. That's probably what motivates me the most now.” He attributes much of his success to surrounding himself with amazing people that work for the company.

The future of Domtec includes bringing up new leadership. “As long as we are going forward and upwards that's all that counts,” he said. He admits that his days at Domtec are winding down and he's working on what his future days will look like on the golf course or in his backyard bird watching.
Information
To find out more about Domtec, visit their website at https://domtec.com/.

Morgan Construction, ESI announce merger

Morgan Construction Inc., an Idaho Falls-based commercial general contractor founded in 1989, has announced it has merged with Boise-based ESI Construction, Idaho’s largest privately held general contractor. The transaction closed earlier this month. Morgan Construction will become Morgan Construction, LLC a Division of ESI.

Matt Morgan, founder of Morgan Construction, will continue as a business development and client relations executive with the new company, working alongside the ESI team as the two companies merge capabilities and employees.

“(We) believe this merger will enable us to serve our clients at an even higher level thanks to the resources that ESI brings to the table,” Morgan said in the press release announcing the merger. “In addition, this merger will give myself and my wife, Lynne, more time to focus on people and causes we’re passionate about in this new chapter of our lives moving forward.”

Morgan Construction is the developer involved with Jackson Hole Junction, on West Sunnyside Road near Exit 116 of Interstate 15. ESI has project experience in eastern Idaho, most recently doing work for Idaho National Laboratory, with whom they worked on joint venture projects such as the Collaborative Computing Center and Cybercore.

“This merger of two great companies allows ESI an exciting opportunity to support already established clients and new clients on exciting projects by enhancing our efficiency and response to a broader market. Idaho is our home and we want to be able to serve all communities throughout the Gem State as we grow together,” said ESI’s president and co-owner, Neil Nelson. "Developing eastern Idaho is important to ESI and Morgan Construction. Matt’s talented team will have the full support of ESI’s resources so we can continue to complete great projects for our clients.”