Advanced Nuclear Reactor Deployment on University Campuses

There is currently widespread support for the development of an advanced nuclear workforce, as demonstrated by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (H.R. 4346), which establishes a new Advanced Nuclear Research Infrastructure Enhancement Subprogram, which will fund up to four new research reactors. Several universities are currently in the process of assessing the prospect of deployment of an advanced nuclear reactor on their campuses. In some cases, these new reactor programs include the following additional objectives beyond research; engagement with the community, energy production, environmental sustainability, and demonstrating potential efficiency of cost and schedule deployment. For universities with existing reactor programs, the universities are assessing compatibility of the advanced reactors within the parameters of the existing reactor programs, and determining what modifications and expansions may be required. For universities in a first-time deployment scenario, this poses a challenge and a benefit. This panel will explore the process, challenges, and next steps.