Utah State University has entered into a formal partnership with Idaho National Laboratory to advance nuclear energy research and education, marking a significant expansion of collaboration between the two institutions.
USU President Brad Mortensen and INL Deputy Lab Director Todd Combs signed the memorandum of understanding on May 11, 2026, at the David B. Haight Center on the Logan campus. The agreement establishes what officials are calling the SUPER agreement — Strategic Understanding for Premier Education and Research — which formalizes and broadens existing collaboration between USU and Battelle Energy Alliance, the contractor managing INL.
Partnership Aims to Address Regional Energy Needs
The collaboration places Utah State at the center of efforts to meet Utah’s growing energy demands. President Mortensen said the partnership positions the university to find solutions for energy challenges and support goals outlined in Operation Gigawatt, the state’s ambitious energy expansion initiative.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced Operation Gigawatt in October 2025 as part of a strategy to double the state’s energy-generating capacity by 2035. The plan includes development of a nuclear facility in northern Utah.
Idaho National Laboratory, located north of Atomic City and west of Idaho Falls, is one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s national laboratories. The facility is managed by Battelle Memorial Institute and serves as a hub for nuclear energy research and national security work.
Research Areas Under the Agreement
The memorandum establishes multiple areas of research collaboration between the institutions. Joint efforts will focus on nuclear power support services, including nuclear material recycling, product separation, waste monitoring and radiation detection technologies.
Environmental engineering and modeling represents another key area, with emphasis on water use and efficiency for nuclear systems and fuel cycle applications. Researchers will also develop tools for critical mineral extraction and processing, along with energy storage systems that include radiation shielding and damage testing.
Automation, control systems and cybersecurity for machinery and vehicles are also part of the research portfolio. The agreement allows for additional collaborative work beyond these specified areas.
Enhanced Opportunities for Students and Faculty
The partnership strengthens joint efforts in energy and security technology research while creating new opportunities for students and faculty members. INL and USU will collaborate on research projects, host joint workshops and conferences, and establish a joint appointment program to enhance research and academic collaborations.
Deputy Lab Director Combs emphasized the importance of the work ahead, stating that the collaboration between INL and USU carries significance for the region, the nation, and the future of energy and national security.
What Comes Next
The SUPER agreement takes effect immediately and creates a framework for ongoing collaboration between Utah State University and Idaho National Laboratory. As Utah moves forward with Operation Gigawatt and plans for expanded nuclear energy capacity, the partnership positions both institutions to play central roles in developing the technology and workforce needed to meet those goals. Faculty and student engagement through the joint appointment program is expected to begin in the coming months, with research initiatives launching as projects receive funding and approval.