Battelle Energy Alliance, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory (INL), is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from industry providers. The EOI aims to identify potential tests and experiments leveraging the Microreactor Application Research Validation and Evaluation (MARVEL) demonstration. MARVEL is an operational microreactor designed to serve as a nuclear testbed for demonstrating microreactor operations and end-use applications, facilitating private sector nuclear energy development. The project will involve a two-step process: a feasibility assessment followed by physical implementation, contingent on Congressional Appropriation. Interested parties are invited to propose concepts related to novel nuclear-generated electricity or heat applications, data access, reactor model validation, advanced instrumentation and control, or novel safeguards and security paradigms. Submissions are due by August 30, 2025, and should be no more than two pages in PDF format, outlining the application's goal, impact on the U.S. nuclear industry, technical needs, and required INL support. Promising concepts will be invited to respond to a future Notice of Opportunity (NO).

Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), the management contractor for the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) under the Department of Energy, is issuing an Expression of Interest (EOI) to gather input from industry providers on potential experiments utilizing the upcoming Microreactor Application Research Validation and Evaluation (MARVEL) demonstration. The MARVEL is set to operate as a microreactor test bed, facilitating the exploration of innovative nuclear technology applications, such as nuclear-powered microgrids and advanced instrumentation paradigms. The project will progress in two phases: first, a feasibility assessment followed by physical implementation, pending Congressional Appropriation. Interested parties can submit EOIs detailing their proposed tests, which will be evaluated based on their potential impact on the U.S. energy landscape. A two-stage process is outlined: a preliminary collaboration phase with INL followed by a solicitation for the physical tests scheduled for Fiscal Year 2027-2028. Submissions are due by August 30, 2025, requiring detailed proposals on the applicable technology area, stakeholder partnerships, and necessary support from INL. The initiative highlights the government’s focus on advancing private sector involvement in nuclear energy development while encouraging innovative applications through public-private collaboration.