IDAHO FALLS — On Tuesday, Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and Rep. Mike Simpson will join U.S. Department of Energy, Idaho National Laboratory and local officials in a groundbreaking ceremony initiating the construction of a new multipurpose research, testing and demonstration facility on INL’s Research and Education Campus.

The new "Energy Systems Laboratory" facility will house three major research programs that share a common goal of advancing energy systems performance. New laboratories will host projects related to bioenergy, advanced battery systems and testing, and new hybrid energy systems that integrate renewable, fossil and nuclear energy sources.

Media representatives who want to attend the news conference and groundbreaking ceremony should plan to be at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) building for setup before the program starts at 2 p.m. Immediately following the program, a brief groundbreaking ceremony will be held at the site of the new facility — also on University Boulevard, near the CAES facility.

What:        Energy Systems Laboratory groundbreaking

When:        2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1

Where:        Center for Advanced Energy Studies, 995 University Blvd., Idaho Falls