REXBURG— Idaho National Laboratory’s Experimental Breeder Reactor-I atomic museum offers a unique opportunity to the public to see the world’s first-ever nuclear power plant. This free museum opens to public tours on Friday.
EBR-I is celebrating 75 years since it began operation. The reactor was the first to make electricity and more fuel than the plant was using.
Shelly Norman is an INL ambassador who loves the opportunity to help the public learn more about nuclear power. Most people do not realize the plant and museum are right here in Idaho.
“This is the very first place where they made electricity by splitting the atom,” Norman said.
Norman said after World War II some nuclear scientists studied how to harness nuclear power. The lab was established for research and development.
“Every single commercial nuclear power plant in the world traces its roots back to Idaho,” Norman said.
Last summer Norman said about 13,000 guests came to tour the lab and museum. This is something the public will not want to miss out on this summer, she said.
“I also want them to walk away a little better educated about the positive uses of nuclear, and how it is really changing the world's energy future, but also making life better in Rexburg, Idaho,” Norman said.
Norman suggests a few things to prepare for a nuclear trip and really set the stage of what to expect. She encourages guests to watch a video about the plant by SmarterEveryDay. On TravelStorys app there are some audio tour stories about INL and the museum.
INL is in the process of building three new reactors, Norman said, “I think we really are changing the world's energy future.”
Students interested after seeing the lab can also check out the internship opportunities INL has.
“Really anything [students are] studying, there's probably an internship for that,” Norman said.
INL and the museum are located on U.S. Highway 20/26 between Idaho Falls and Arco.
EBR-I is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Public tours are held until Labor Day. To schedule a group or visit in the off-season call INL or visit inl.gov/EBR for more information.