Supporting energy solution discovery

With a mission to discover innovative energy solutions and address challenges related to national energy infrastructure, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is expanding its research capabilities through the new Energy Security Research Laboratory (ESRL).

Located at INL's Research and Education Campus (REC), the ESRL supports evolving research needs with a flexible, modular design that can be reconfigured to accommodate advanced power systems, critical infrastructure protection, and cyber-physical security systems.

The three-story, 63,000-square-foot facility features open, reconfigurable electronics laboratories and makerspace, along with dedicated office, collaboration, and conference areas. The floor plan and exposed overhead utilities allow for the simplified redistribution of power and data, enabling easy transition of research programs.

Flexibility and adaptability are at the core of ESRL's design. Moveable, partial-height laboratory partitions support efficient allocation of laboratory space and remain adaptable for evolving research needs and new equipment. Each research module is supported by dedicated power panels and a fully programmable lighting system, supporting various configurations for emerging technologies and growing research demands.

Flad completed the core and shell design in 2022 before advancing to the interior fit-out phase, with final occupancy and move-in completed in Spring 2024.