Energy

Eastern Idaho is uniquely positioned as the “carbon-free energy capital of the world.” The region has the distinction of being one of the few places in the world where you can find biomass, solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear energy. Eighty-two percent of the electricity generated in Idaho comes from carbon-free energy, second only to Vermont.

Wind powered energy sources sustain fifteen percent of the state's electricity. with a National Laboratory, research and development of new reactors including NuScales first in-kind small modular reactor, makes Eastern Idaho the perfect location for the development of a supply chain around carbon-free energy.

Eastern Idaho leads in developing cutting-edge technologies and new energy sources to reduce the load on the energy grid.

Eastern Idaho is proud to be home to companies and organizations that produce high tech products, processes, and delivery of carbon-free power, such as:

• Idaho National Laboratory is the nation’s nuclear energy research and development center. As a world leader in broader clean energy research and critical infrastructure protection, INL works with industry, utilities and government to keep America’s power grid, water and transportation systems safe from man-made and natural threats.

  INL’s world-class scientists, engineers, technicians and support staff work to develop the advanced nuclear technologies our nation needs to power prosperity and protect the environment. The lab’s talented staff help power NASA space missions, protect our communities through vital national and homeland security work, and enable clean transportation, industrial and agricultural systems.

  The laboratory employs more than 5,200 people, making INL contractor Battelle Energy Alliance Idaho’s seventh-largest private employer. INL spends more than $130 million annually with small businesses throughout Idaho and is a major economic driver in the state.

  For more than 70 years, INL has had a positive impact on Idaho’s economy and culture, helping inspire communities and citizens who embrace innovation and technology and understand how science and engineering improve lives.

• Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) is in the forefront of the nuclear frontier to construct a small modular reactor (SMR) plant. The site has been located in DOE’s Idaho National Laboratory site near Idaho Falls.  UAMPS, NuScale and Energy Northwest have entered into a Teaming Agreement to develop carbon-free small modular reactors (SMR’s).  SMR’s are the future of nuclear energy.
• NuScale experts in the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMR’s) - the first-in-kind technology founded in Eastern Idaho. NuScale’s small modular reactor technology is an excellent replacement for coal-fired power plants reaching the end of their life cycles.  SMR’s provide clean, safe, reliable carbon-free flexible resource that complements intermittent renewable energy.  Coupled with renewable energy, NuScale’s small modular reactor technology will provide a decarbonized energy supply to meet future energy needs.
• Navel Nuclear Laboratory/Naval Reactor Facilities (NRF) develops advanced naval nuclear propulsion technology for the safety and reliability of our Navy’s submarine and aircraft carrier fleets.  Naval Nuclear Laboratory also trains sailors who operate reactors in submarines and aircraft carrier fleets and provides full lifecycle support from technology development to disposal.  With nearly 8,000 employees in Idaho, Pennsylvania, New York and South Carolina.

• Inergy is an innovative clean-tech company offering a new technology approach to renewable power generation via solar. Inergy offers ultra-lightweight portable systems that can run your home during power outages.  Whether it’s a small system powerful enough to keep your kitchen appliances and medical equipment operational or the world’s first solar power USB quick charger.  Inergy is all about cutting-edge delivery of affordable solar power to the world.
• BPWE is the operating partner of Goshen North wind. Situated on 11,000 acres in Bonneville County, just east of Idaho Falls, Goshen’s 83 wind turbines can generate up to 124.5 MW of electricity – enough to power approximately 33,000 average homes annually.

• The Center for Advanced Energy Systems (CAES) is a research and education consortium between INL and 3 universities in the Midwest. It is a Public Research Center focused on innovation, fuels energy transitions and economic growth for the future.  The core capabilities of CAES include nuclear science and engineering, materials science and engineering, geological systems and applications, energy system design, analysis and testing, environmental and resource sustainability, energy policy, and fossil carbon conversion.  Home to the computer assisted virtual environment (CAVE), a sophisticated technology and equipment that together uses rear projection to display computer graphics on the walls and the floor.  CAES supports a wide variety of energy research on both technical and policy issues and is serving as a prime avenue of outreach to industrial partners.
• Gem Technologies, Inc. Established in 1994, GEM Technologies, Inc. (GEM) is a Small Disadvantaged Business with a 26-year performance history providing high-quality environmental, facility and infrastructure management, construction, and technical services to federal government agencies, state and municipal governments, universities, and an assortment of private industry enterprises.
  GEM boasts a proven record completing projects valued at up to $142,000,000 in a prime contracting capacity. Together with regional small businesses, joint venture partnerships, and nationwide teaming agreements, GEM offers clients flexibility, responsiveness, and open communication as part of their process to provide efficient solutions.
• LSI is a powerful business development and support company serving U.S. federal, state, local agencies, and their contractors.  LSI has been in business for 50 years providing business development strategies, program managers, proposal writers and subject matter experts.  LSI’s business was built on support for national defense and the economic well-being of local, regional and state communities.  LSI’s mission is to help clients solve their most complex business, economic and social challenges through building solutions that change the world.

• The Research and Innovation in Science and Engineering (RISE) Complex is Idaho State University’s research facility dedicated to investigating uses and behaviors of nano-scale materials, semiconductors and bulk growth of crystals in areas of nuclear science, engineering materials science, energy and biotechnology.
• The Accelerator Center is a research facility operated by Idaho State University. The Center has 3 laboratories: one on ISU’s campus, one on ISU’s Business and Research Park, and one at the Pocatello Regional Airport.  The research provides opportunities for scientists and engineers from the university, private sector, and national laboratories to utilize specialized nuclear facilities.  It serves as a primary investigating conduit for research and development in nuclear physics applications, material science, biology, homeland security and national security.  Active research areas at Accelerator include: Medical Isotope development and commercialization; photon activation analysis; pulsed power, novel beams and accelerator beam physics; non-destructive evaluation, assay and materials analysis; basic nuclear measurements and applications; nuclear physics research; and homeland security and nuclear non-proliferation/safeguards.
• Idaho Falls Power has served the City of Idaho Falls for over a hundred years with clean, reliable, efficient, and low-cost power. Idaho Falls Power production is completely carbon free.  Idaho Power has made the commitment to be completely carbon free by 2045.
• Idaho Power is a fully integrated electric utility that has been in business for more than 100 years and provides low cost, clean, hydropower to its customers.
• Rocky Mountain Power/PacifiCorp serves more than 1.2 million customers in Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho – delivering sustainable energy solutions.  Rocky Mountain Power/PacifiCorp is the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West.
• Intermountain Gas Company is a natural gas distribution company serving approximately 350,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in 76 communities in Southern Idaho.  Intermountain Gas is a subsidiary of MDU Resources Group, Inc.

Eastern Idaho is positioned along the I-15 Corridor.  It is home to corporations and institutions with engineering and scientific know-how on the cutting-edge of developing new and innovative energy technologies.

These are just a few companies that continue to change the Energy sector in Eastern Idaho.