Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory focused on advancing scientific research, including civilian nuclear energy technologies. Operated by UT-Battelle, a partnership between the University of Tennessee and Bat
Key Stats
100/100
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Country: USA Fleet Size: 1 reactor(s) in platform database Total Tracked Capacity: —
Overview
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory focused on advancing scientific research, including civilian nuclear energy technologies. Operated by UT-Battelle, a partnership between the University of Tennessee and Battelle Memorial Institute under a DOE contract, ORNL plays a critical role in nuclear research and development. It hosts the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), a key facility for materials research, isotope production, and neutron science, supporting advancements in nuclear safety and efficiency. Globally, ORNL is recognized as a leader in nuclear innovation, contributing to reactor design, fuel cycle research, and sustainable energy solutions.
Recent Developments
In the past 12-24 months, ORNL has made significant strides in nuclear research, including advancements in molten salt reactor technology through the DOE’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, collaborating with industry partners to develop next-generation designs. Additionally, ORNL has expanded its isotope production capabilities at HFIR, addressing global shortages of critical medical and industrial isotopes like actinium-225 for cancer treatment, as reported in DOE announcements in 2023. The laboratory also continues to support international partnerships, notably through contributions to nuclear safety and non-proliferation research initiatives with global stakeholders.
Reactor Fleet (Platform Database)
| Reactor | Country | Type | Capacity (MWe) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) | USA | Flux trap | — | OPERATIONAL |
Sources
- Official Website — Official organization website
- IAEA Reactor Database — IAEA Power Reactor Information System
- World Nuclear Association — WNA nuclear industry reference
Enriched by Grok · Second Atomic Age Nuclear Wiki · 2026-05-10
Sources (1)
Related Notes
Centre for Energy Research (EK)
The Centre for Energy Research (EK), based in Hungary, is a prominent state-funded research institution operating under the auspices of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. It focuses on civilian nuclear energy research and development, playing a critical role in advancing nuclear safety, reactor tech
operatorsCIAE (China Institute of Atomic Energy)
The China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE), based in Beijing, is a premier research institution under the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), a state-owned enterprise overseeing China's civilian nuclear sector. Established in 1950, CIAE focuses on nuclear science and technology development,
operatorsNational Tsing Hua University (NTHU)
National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), located in Hsinchu, Taiwan, is a leading public research university renowned for its contributions to science and engineering, including civilian nuclear technology. As an academic institution, it operates under governmental oversight and is not a commercial ent
operatorsRIAR
The Research Institute of Atomic Reactors (RIAR), based in Dimitrovgrad, Ulyanovsk Oblast, Russia, is a prominent nuclear research facility established in 1956. Operating under the state corporation Rosatom, RIAR specializes in the development and testing of nuclear reactor technologies and fuel cyc
operatorsAELB/MINT (Malaysian Nuclear Agency)
The Malaysian Nuclear Agency, previously known as the Malaysian Institute for Nuclear Technology Research (MINT), operates under the oversight of the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) and is part of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) in Malaysia. As a government entity, it
operatorsANSTO
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is Australia's national nuclear research and development agency, established in 1987 to replace the Australian Atomic Energy Commission. It is a statutory body under the Australian Government, operating under the Department of Indust