Dr. Jess C. Gehin
Chief Scientist, Nuclear Science & Technology
Idaho National Laboratory

Abstract

A smaller class of reactors, now known as nuclear microreactors, is gaining strong support as the next types of reactors to be developed and deployed. These reactors are defined not only by their power output, < 20 MW, but also by other unique features that result from their small size. They are easily transported and deployed to remote sites, are self-controlling and easily to operate, provide reliable, resilient power, and are based on a range of reactor technologies. The applications for these reactors are numerous with near term interest in using them in remote locations such as artic regions and islands that currently use diesel-powered generators, which can have very high fuel transportation costs. Given the small size and relative simplicity of microreactors, they are on a rapid development pace with a number of microreactor designs under development in the United States and demonstrations planned within five years and deployments shortly thereafter.  This seminar will provide an overview of microreactor concepts, discussion of research being performed by the Department of Energy, and near-term plans for demonstrations as part of the INL-led National Reactor Innovation Center.

Biography

Dr. Jess Gehin joined INL in 2018 as the Chief Scientist for Nuclear Science and Technology and also serves as the Technical Director of DOE Office of Nuclear Energy’s Microreactor R&D Program.  His research interests include nuclear reactor physics and reactor and fuel cycle technologies. Previously, he worked at ORNL from 1992 to 2018 where he held several positions including Director of the Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL), a DOE Energy Innovation Hub, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and leadership responsibilities for reactor technology integration, nuclear energy programs, and reactor analysis.

Dr. Gehin earned a B.S. degree in Nuclear Engineering in 1988 from Kansas State University and S.M. (1990) and Ph.D. (1992) degrees in Nuclear Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Gehin is a fellow of the American Nuclear Society.

***This seminar will be streamed live on our NCStateNuclear YouTube channel***