4 Resuming transient testing in U.S. A critical national asset for qualifying nuclear fuels was restored after being maintained in standby status since 1994. The milestone marked the return of a capability that is critical to the United States’ role in developing nuclear fuels, for both the existing fleet and a new generation of advanced reactors under design. Transient testing of nuclear fuels is similar to high-impact car crash testing, which has helped the automobile industry make crucial advancements in safety technologies. Exposing fuels to extreme conditions in INL’s Transient Reactor Testing Facility (TREAT) helps the nuclear industry develop more resilient and longer-lasting fuels. TREAT completed its first transient on Jan. 17, 2018. On Sept. 18, 2018, it performed a transient irradiation on a small light water reactor fuel rodlet in support of an energy coupling experiment. This experiment is part of a series that will culminate in testing new fuels being developed by the DOE-NE Accident Tolerant Fuels program for use in light water reactors. Leadership NATIONAL INL is a multiprogram national lab that supports deployment of new energy solutions and critical infrastructure protection. This lab’s unique capabilities position us to lead several national research, demonstration and assessment efforts that help protect the nation’s resources and security. TheTransient ReactorTest (TREAT) Facility at INL