Overview of the MARVEL Project

The purpose of the MARVEL project is to develop, in less than 2 years, a nuclear microreactor applications test bed at INL to perform research and development on various operational features of microreactors to ultimately improve integration of microreactors to end-user applications. Through collaboration between the DOE Microreactor Program and the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC), the development of this test bed provides an opportunity to establish and exercise key NRIC capabilities that support future reactor demonstrations by: (1) providing an early-stage platform for potential end users of microreactor systems, (2) deploying the first small-scale R&D reactor in 40 years to support new capability development, (3) facilitating outreach activity with stakeholders interested in novel nuclear energy applications (e.g., hydrogen production, process heating, water purifications), and (4) investigating and addressing issues relating to fabrication, assembly, rapid installation, deployment, and operation of microreactors. The panel will provide an overview of the MARVEL from the perspective of key contributors and stakeholders.