In partnership with the University of Idaho, second installation to offer hands-on learning opportunities related to nuclear science and engineering

PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, NuScale Power announced the opening of the second-of-three planned NuScale Energy Exploration (E2) Centers in collaboration with the University of Idaho at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES), located in Idaho Falls, ID. To be known as the ‘SMR Simulator Laboratory’, the E2 Center at CAES will assist the research of CAES entities: Idaho National Laboratory, Boise State University, Idaho State University, and University of Idaho, and allow users to assume the role of control room operator to learn about the innovative features and functionality unique to NuScale’s SMR technology.

Utilizing NuScale’s E2 Center simulation technology, the CAES SMR Simulator Laboratory will offer users an exciting hands-on learning opportunity to apply nuclear science and engineering principles through simulated, real-world nuclear power plant operation scenarios. The SMR Simulator Laboratory uses state-of-the-art computer modeling within a simulator of the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR) power plant control room, allowing users to take on the role of “control room operator” at a NuScale 12-unit SMR plant to learn about the groundbreaking features and functionality unique to NuScale’s SMR technology. Additionally, it will provide a means to conduct outreach to the community through demonstrations, tours, and education to community leaders, K-12 students, and interested citizens.

These E2 Centers are supported by a 2019 U.S. Department of Energy grant to broaden the understanding of advanced nuclear technology in a control room setting and provide students, researchers, operators, and members of the public opportunities to engage in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) research and education. Through this grant, the University of Idaho elected to place their E2 Center at CAES, and is the second of three planned installations of the NuScale E2 Center that will serve U.S. universities. The first E2 Center opened at Oregon State University in November 2020. Learn more about the E2 Center.

About NuScale Power

NuScale Power has developed a new modular light water reactor nuclear power plant to supply energy for electrical generation, district heating, desalination, and other process heat applications. This groundbreaking small modular reactor (SMR) design features a fully factory-fabricated NuScale Power Module™ capable of generating 77 MW of electricity using a safer, smaller, and scalable version of pressurized water reactor technology. NuScale's scalable design—power plants that can house up to four, six, or 12 individual power modules—offers the benefits of carbon-free energy and reduces the financial commitments associated with gigawatt-sized nuclear facilities. The majority investor in NuScale is Fluor Corporation, a global engineering, procurement, and construction company with a 70-year history in commercial nuclear power.

NuScale is headquartered in Portland, Ore. and has offices in Corvallis, Ore.; Rockville, Md.; Charlotte, N.C.; Richland, Wash.; and London, UK.