Idaho National Laboratory Seeking Partners for Microreactor R&D (MARVEL)

The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a Special Notice for the Microreactor Applications Research Validation and Evaluation (MARVEL) project at Idaho National Laboratory. This opportunity invites potential partners to collaborate on microreactor research and development initiatives. MARVEL serves as a nuclear microreactor test platform designed to explore and validate emerging microreactor technologies and their potential applications. The project focuses on understanding how microreactors can interact with microgrids and process heat applications. The special notice is specifically targeted at organizations interested in advanced nuclear energy research and technology development.

Contractors interested in participating can engage with the MARVEL project to help shape its capabilities and explore various potential applications including power generation, grid integration, energy management, and industrial process heat. The opportunity provides access to world-class research facilities and allows partners to become industry leaders in microreactor technologies. Potential partners will benefit from early engagement, infrastructure support, and collaborative research opportunities. The project explicitly notes that any research and development activities that might alter the MARVEL safety basis will not be considered. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Javier Martinez at javier.martinez@inl.gov for more detailed information. The notice is currently open, with a due date extending to July 1, 2025, providing ample time for potential partners to develop and submit collaborative proposals. Eligibility appears to be open to organizations with relevant technological and research capabilities in nuclear energy and microreactor development.