Experimental Breeder Reactor I

Experimental Breeder Reactor No. 1
Experimental Breeder Reactor Number 1 in Idaho, the first power reactor
LocationButte County, Idaho, US
Nearest cityArco, Idaho
Coordinates43°30′41″N 113°00′23″W / 43.51132°N 113.0064°W / 43.51132; -113.0064
Built1950
ArchitectAtomic Energy Commission
NRHP reference No.66000307
Significant dates
Added to NRHPOctober 15, 1966
Designated NHLDecember 21, 1965

Experimental Breeder Reactor I (EBR-I) is a decommissioned research reactor and U.S. National Historic Landmark located in the desert about 18 miles (29 km) southeast of Arco, Idaho. It was the world's first breeder reactor. At 1:50 p.m. on December 20, 1951, it became one of the world's first electricity-generating nuclear power plants when it produced sufficient electricity to illuminate four 200-watt light bulbs. EBR-I soon generated sufficient electricity to power its building and the town of Arco, and continued to be used for experimental research until it was decommissioned in 1964. The museum is open for visitors from late May until early September.