On Feb 1, 2005, Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA) assumed the management and operational responsibility for the new Idaho National Laboratory (INL) with a 10-year, $4.8 billion contract to transform INL into a "preeminent" Department of Energy national laboratory. "We have been given a unique opportunity to lead a national renaissance in nuclear energy and build a world-class national laboratory," stated INL Director and BEA President John Grossenbacher.

The INL combines the research and development components of the former Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory-West.

One of INL's first major tasks will be to lead an international research and development effort to create an advanced nuclear energy technology called the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP). NGNP will produce both inexpensive electricity and large quantities of hydrogen to support the development of a clean and efficient hydrogen economy as part of the President's National Hydrogen Fuel Initiative.

INL will also lead the establishment of DOE's Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES). CAES is a collaboration of DOE, the state of Idaho, the INL and research universities across the nation. Through this center, INL will become an internationally recognized center of nuclear science and technology education.

Mr. John J. (Jack) Lance, is the Director of Technology Partnerships. Chuck Briggs is the FLC Laboratory Representative.