BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Out in the Southeast Idaho desert, you'll find the pioneers in the field of nuclear energy at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL).

Since 1949, INL has worked toward creating a carbon-free future with nuclear power.

While many thoughts come to mind when bringing nuclear to the gem state, the INL hopes to help ease the minds of the people worried about nuclear power.

That's why they held a panel on Wednesday for the public to ask questions.

Right now, INL has five proposed energy projects, with more to come.

The most recent project is the microreactor, a term used to describe a small, portable reactor with enough power to energize a small city.

So can nuclear power actually cut down on carbon?

"Carbon energy will replace diesel generators, so the local condition will certainly be helpful," said Jess Gehin, associate laboratory director with INL.

Nuclear plants are responsible for only about 20% of the U.S. energy supply, but for the industry to grow, fears have to be laid to rest.

"I think we can all bring to mind three-mile island or things of that nature, but that's where these advance reactors and the lessons we have learned over the years from hundreds of years of operational experience," said Stephanie Weir, the siting and regulatory strategy manager with National Reactor Innovation Center’s (NRIC).

While everything can be a risk

"There's no such thing as a free lunch if we want energy. We're going to have to take risks and manage them for any kind of energy system that we have," said Marianne Walck, the deputy lab director for Science and Technology and chief research officer.

They believe it's the key to our energy future.

"Abundant clean energy, energy that can be generated without creating or emitting any criteria air pollutants." Weir said.

To learn about INL's proposed projects, click HERE.

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