The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has launched a pivotal phase in the development of nuclear microreactor technology, announcing the first set of end-user experiments for its Microreactor Application Research Validation and Evaluation (MARVEL) programme. This initiative marks a shift from theoretical exploration to practical application, with a focus on how ultra-compact reactors can power AI-driven data centres, support remote and autonomous operations, enhance reactor monitoring, and provide clean heat for industrial desalination.
At the core of this effort is MARVEL, a compact nuclear microreactor developed by the US Department of Energy. The system, which uses a sodium-potassium coolant, is designed to produce around 85 kilowatts of thermal energy and up to 20 kilowatts of electrical output. Despite its modest scale, MARVEL is engineered to validate the safe, reliable, and flexible operation of microreactors in challenging environments. The reactor will be installed at INL’s Transient Reactor Test Facility, offering private companies and research partners unprecedented access to an operational nuclear microreactor. This setup allows developers to move beyond simulations and laboratory models to test how advanced nuclear systems perform when connected to real equipment and real-world use cases.
One of the most closely watched applications involves using a nuclear microreactor to support data centres, particularly those running artificial intelligence workloads. “These facilities require enormous amounts of steady, uninterrupted electricity, often in locations where traditional grid infrastructure is unreliable or nonexistent,” said a spokesperson from Amazon Web Services (AWS), which plans to explore how MARVEL could be integrated with modular data centres designed for rapid deployment and self-sufficiency. Such systems could support defence, government, or emergency operations by providing computing power anywhere in the world without relying on diesel generators or fragile supply chains. In a parallel effort, DCX USA and Arizona State University aim to study how a microreactor can provide stable, continuous energy tailored to the unique demands of AI processing. These projects could generate critical data on how nuclear microreactors might underpin the future of high-performance computing.
Beyond computing, MARVEL will also be used to refine how nuclear systems are operated. GE Vernova intends to demonstrate remote and autonomous reactor control concepts, helping to establish operational standards that could later be applied to commercial reactors. “This work is expected to show how microreactors can be monitored and managed with minimal on-site staffing, a key requirement for deployment in isolated or high-risk locations,” said a GE Vernova representative. Additionally, Radiation Detection Technologies will focus on testing advanced sensor technologies using MARVEL. These high-performance instruments are designed to monitor reactor behaviour in real time, improving situational awareness and safety. Insights gained from this work could influence how future nuclear microreactors are regulated, inspected, and maintained.
Another major application centres on desalination and water treatment. Shepherd Power, NOV, and ConocoPhillips plan to use MARVEL’s process heat for a pilot-scale desalination project. “The goal is to demonstrate how nuclear microreactors could address produced water challenges in oil and gas operations, where large volumes of contaminated water must be treated or disposed of,” said a spokesperson from ConocoPhillips. If successful, the approach could offer a low-carbon solution for water management in energy-intensive industries.
The teams selected for MARVEL will now work closely with DOE and national laboratory experts to refine their concepts and assess technical feasibility. This collaborative phase will determine which projects advance to full demonstrations using the reactor. Final agreements and confirmed demonstrations are expected to be announced in 2026. By opening MARVEL to industry and academic partners, INL is transforming the nuclear microreactor from a promising concept into a practical tool. The programme highlights how advanced nuclear technologies can support AI leadership, industrial resilience, and environmental solutions while reinforcing the United States’ role as a global leader in nuclear innovation.
This development could significantly reshape the energy sector by demonstrating the viability of nuclear microreactors in diverse applications. The successful integration of microreactors into data centres could revolutionise high-performance computing, particularly in remote or grid-challenged areas. The focus on autonomous and remote reactor operations could set new standards for nuclear safety and efficiency, potentially accelerating the adoption of advanced nuclear technologies. Additionally, the exploration of nuclear microreactors for desalination and water treatment could provide a sustainable solution to water management challenges in various industries, contributing to broader environmental goals. Overall, the MARVEL programme represents a critical step towards realising the potential of nuclear microreactors and could pave the way for innovative energy solutions in the years ahead.