The SMR control room simulator in NuScale’s newest E2 Center began operation at George Mason University. (Photo: NuScale /George Mason University)
E2 Centers are designed to provide hands-on experience in simulated nuclear power plant operations scenarios. According to NuScale, this newest center in Arlington—which was established in partnership with George Mason’s College of Engineering and Computing and was funded by the Virginia Department of Energy’s Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank—is the largest one in the United States.
Preparing the future workforce: Students at George Mason are now able to assume the role of operator at the first full-scale 12-module simulator in the United States, which replicates the operations of a NuScale small modular reactor control room. This experience will help prepare them to be the next generation of professionals in the advanced nuclear industry.
Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing, noted that the “cutting-edge SMR control room simulator in Fuse at Mason Square will ensure that our students have access to emerging technologies that will drive innovation. Partnerships such as this give our students the tools and education they will need to prepare for the future and become part of Virginia’s dynamic workforce.”
Outside the curriculum: In addition to benefiting George Mason students, the E2 Center will have many uses outside the college curriculum. NuScale pointed out that activities at the center will include “practical demonstrations and interactive tours for local leaders and K-12 students to deepen their understanding of nuclear power and the vital role it plays in providing reliable, clean energy.”
Grand opening: The E2 Center at George Mason is located inside the Fuse Building, a new 345,000-square-foot facility designed to promote technology, partnerships, and community engagement. The center opened on May 30, but the official grand opening ceremony is planned for the autumn.
Other E2 Centers: NuScale’s 10 other E2 Centers are located at South Carolina State University, Idaho State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Texas A&M University, University of Nevada–Las Vegas, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (in New York State), University Politehnica of Bucharest in Romania, the Ghana Atomic Commission, and Seoul National University in South Korea.
