University of South Carolina and The Nuclear Company Launch Transformative Partnership to Advance Nuclear Innovation, Deployment, and Workforce Development
The Nuclear Company, which in April officially opened its primary engineering and construction office in Columbia, South Carolina, has announced a landmark partnership with the University of South Carolina’s Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing. The collaboration aims to position South Carolina as a national leader in advanced nuclear energy innovation, workforce training, and long-term economic growth.
This initiative is expected to have far-reaching implications, not only for the state but also for the broader U.S. nuclear energy industry. It brings together a globally recognized academic institution and a rapidly growing private-sector company with ambitious plans to deploy gigawatt-scale nuclear power projects across the country.
Building on South Carolina’s Nuclear Legacy
South Carolina has long held a unique place in the nuclear energy landscape. The state is home to multiple nuclear power plants that generate a large portion of its electricity and has historically been a hub for nuclear research, fuel production, and workforce expertise. The University of South Carolina (USC) has been central to this reputation, offering one of the nation’s leading nuclear engineering programs and preparing generations of graduates for careers in the nuclear field.
Hossein Haj-Hariri, Dean of the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, underscored this point in announcing the partnership. “South Carolina has long been an innovator in nuclear energy, and that’s what attracted The Nuclear Company to our state,” Haj-Hariri said. “By combining our academic leadership with the company’s plans to build fleet-scale nuclear across the country, we will drive innovation, prepare the next generation of nuclear workers, and strengthen our state’s role in working toward America’s energy independence.”
The Nuclear Company, for its part, is pioneering a new era of nuclear deployment. Unlike traditional projects that have been criticized for being slow and costly, the company has set its sights on modernizing nuclear construction through gigawatt-scale deployment and innovations in project delivery, materials science, and digital engineering.
A Strategic Investment in Research and Development
A cornerstone of the partnership is a financial commitment that reflects both sides’ belief in the transformative potential of nuclear power. The Nuclear Company has pledged to invest up to $5 million over the next five years, while USC will match this funding with resources from federal grants, contributions from industry partners, and support from private donors.
This combined funding will enable the establishment of new research programs, academic initiatives, and outreach projects. Among the most significant developments will be the creation of a Joint Research Center for Nuclear Innovation. The center will focus on several critical areas for the next generation of nuclear power:
- Digital Twin Modeling: Using advanced simulation and real-time data to design, monitor, and optimize nuclear systems with unprecedented precision.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Applying new methods such as additive manufacturing (3D printing) to produce components faster, at lower cost, and with higher performance standards.
- Materials Research and Development: Investigating new alloys, composites, and structural materials that can withstand extreme conditions inside reactors, extending the lifespan of nuclear plants.
These focus areas align closely with national priorities in energy security and technological competitiveness. The U.S. Department of Energy has repeatedly emphasized the importance of digitalization, manufacturing innovation, and materials science in ensuring nuclear remains a safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy source.
Workforce Development: Preparing the Next Generation
Beyond technical innovation, the partnership recognizes that a skilled workforce is the foundation of any successful nuclear program. To this end, USC and The Nuclear Company will launch several new initiatives to attract, train, and retain talent.
Key components include:
- Internships and Cooperative Programs: Students will gain hands-on experience working directly with The Nuclear Company on live projects, bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and industry application.
- Summer Nuclear Science Institute for High School Students: Designed to spark early interest in STEM and nuclear energy, this program will introduce younger students to the science, engineering, and societal importance of nuclear power.
- Expanded Graduate Research Opportunities: The partnership will open new pathways for master’s and doctoral students to engage in cutting-edge nuclear research alongside company engineers and university faculty.
- Professional Development for Existing Workers: As nuclear deployment scales up nationwide, retraining and upskilling the current energy workforce will be critical. Programs will be designed to help professionals transition into nuclear careers.
Through these efforts, USC and The Nuclear Company are addressing what many in the industry see as one of the greatest challenges facing nuclear today: an aging workforce and the need to inspire a new generation of nuclear professionals.
Public Engagement and Community Education
Another unique feature of the partnership is its commitment to public engagement. Nuclear energy often faces skepticism or misunderstanding, and both partners recognize the importance of transparent, community-oriented education. Joint public education campaigns will aim to explain nuclear’s role in delivering clean, reliable, baseload energy and dispel common misconceptions.
By engaging with communities directly, the partnership hopes to build public trust, foster open dialogue, and demonstrate how nuclear can contribute to both environmental goals and economic opportunity.
Industry Perspectives on the Partnership
Joe Klecha, Chief Nuclear Officer of The Nuclear Company, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative. “The University of South Carolina’s leadership in nuclear has created generations of head-of-household jobs in the state and a statewide economy powered by clean, baseload energy,” Klecha said. “We look forward to working with the university’s faculty and leaders as America invests in nuclear power at an unprecedented scale.”
Klecha’s statement reflects the growing momentum behind nuclear in U.S. energy policy. As federal and state governments set ambitious decarbonization targets, nuclear power is increasingly seen as a critical tool for ensuring energy reliability while reducing carbon emissions. Partnerships like this one between USC and The Nuclear Company demonstrate how academia and industry can align to accelerate deployment while simultaneously strengthening local economies.
A Vision for South Carolina and Beyond
The launch of this partnership is more than a symbolic gesture; it represents a concrete step toward redefining South Carolina’s role in the national energy transition. By serving as a hub for nuclear research, training, and innovation, the state has the potential to attract new businesses, create high-paying jobs, and secure long-term economic benefits.
Moreover, the lessons learned in South Carolina will ripple outward across the United States. The Nuclear Company’s gigawatt-scale ambitions require a pipeline of skilled workers, cutting-edge technologies, and proven models of collaboration with universities and communities. USC’s involvement ensures that these resources are cultivated and scaled effectively.
