Former governor and Martin Center namesake and board member, Jim Martin, recently advocated for using Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to meet North Carolina’s decarbonization goals and reliable electricity needs. As North Carolina looks to embrace this nuclear-energy technology, it is crucial to ensure that the state’s higher-education resources are well-positioned to meet the personnel demands of this emerging industry.
Embracing Nuclear Energy for Decarbonization
Nuclear energy is increasingly recognized as a critical component of any decarbonization strategy. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis emphasized the state’s leadership in nuclear research and workforce development, highlighting the crucial role of public colleges and universities in training the next generation of nuclear engineers and operators. This focus on nuclear energy aligns with broader state and national goals to reduce carbon emissions and ensure a stable, reliable power supply.
Building Capacity in Nuclear Engineering
Dr. Kostadin Ivanov, head of NC State’s Department of Nuclear Engineering, noted that U.S. universities have been actively building capacities to support the nuclear industry’s growth. This effort involves hiring new faculty, enhancing experimental and computational facilities, modernizing curricula, and strengthening cooperation with national laboratories and industry. Such initiatives are essential for preparing a workforce capable of designing, building, and maintaining SMRs.
However, the focus must extend beyond nuclear engineering departments. Increasing awareness of the nuclear industry within civil, computer, electrical, industrial, materials, and mechanical engineering departments is vital. Graduates from these disciplines are needed to address the complex challenges associated with SMR technology.
Regional Collaboration and Skilled Trades
The need for SMRs is not limited to North Carolina. Neighboring states like South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia are also investing in nuclear power to meet their energy needs. Lukas Brun, director of research at the energy trade association E4 Carolinas, emphasized the importance of skilled trades and qualified construction personnel in ensuring that nuclear plants are built on-time and on-budget.
The American Nuclear Society is increasingly focused on the education and training required to expand the number of SMRs across the United States. Steve Nesbit, a past president of the society, highlighted the need for skilled craft labor, such as welders, electricians, and radiation-protection technicians, alongside engineers and scientists. This skilled labor force is essential for supporting the expansion of clean, secure nuclear energy in the U.S.
Enhancing Higher Education for Nuclear Workforce Development
South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia are already making state-level investments to ensure their higher-education systems are prepared to support the growth of the nuclear power industry. While North Carolina has a strong position in nuclear education, more work is needed at the state level to focus on the unique engineering disciplines and trade skills required by the nuclear power industry.
North Carolina’s higher education institutions must continue to adapt and expand their programs to meet these needs. This includes:
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration between different engineering departments to provide a comprehensive education that addresses all aspects of SMR technology.
- Industry Partnerships: Strengthening partnerships with industry to provide practical training and ensure that curricula align with industry needs.
- Investment in Facilities: Enhancing experimental and computational facilities to provide students with hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology.
- Outreach and Awareness: Increasing awareness of nuclear career opportunities among students and the broader community to attract a diverse and talented workforce.
- Focus on Skilled Trades: Emphasizing the importance of skilled trades in the nuclear industry and developing targeted training programs to address this need.
Conclusion
The deployment of Small Modular Reactors represents a significant opportunity for North Carolina to meet its decarbonization goals and ensure reliable electricity for its residents. However, achieving this requires a concerted effort to ensure that the state’s higher-education resources are aligned with the needs of the nuclear industry. By enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthening industry partnerships, investing in facilities, increasing outreach and awareness, and focusing on skilled trades, North Carolina can prepare a workforce capable of leading the way in nuclear energy innovation.
Ensuring that higher education institutions are equipped to meet these challenges will not only support the growth of the nuclear industry in North Carolina but also contribute to the broader goal of clean, secure energy across the United States. The proactive steps taken by the University of California System to address online degree loopholes and maintain educational standards serve as a model for how higher education can adapt to meet emerging industry needs while preserving the integrity and value of the degrees it awards. North Carolina must take similar steps to ensure that its higher education system is ready to support the nuclear power industry’s future growth.
