UVA Wise Launches NuScale Energy Exploration Center to Advance Nuclear Workforce Development in Virginia
NuScale Power Corporation, a leading developer of advanced small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear technology, has announced the opening of its 12th Energy Exploration (E2) Center at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise). The new facility represents a significant milestone in the expansion of nuclear energy education and workforce training in the United States, while reinforcing Southwest Virginia’s growing role as a hub for clean energy innovation and advanced technology development.
The E2 Center was established through funding provided by the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank, which is supported by the Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy). Designed to provide students, educators, and trainees with hands-on experience in nuclear power plant operations, the center offers an immersive learning environment that simulates the operation of advanced small modular reactor facilities. Through cutting-edge simulation technologies and interactive training programs, the facility aims to prepare the next generation of professionals who will help shape the future of the nuclear energy sector.
The launch of the E2 Center comes at a time when governments, utilities, and industries worldwide are increasingly exploring advanced nuclear technologies as part of their long-term strategies to achieve energy security, grid reliability, and decarbonization goals. Small modular reactors are gaining attention for their potential to provide dependable, carbon-free electricity while offering greater flexibility and scalability than traditional large-scale nuclear plants.
John Hopkins, President and Chief Executive Officer of NuScale Power, described the opening of the facility as an important step in strengthening clean energy workforce development. He emphasized that the new center expands access to advanced nuclear training while helping students gain practical experience using technologies that mirror real-world SMR operations.
According to Hopkins, the UVA Wise facility equips students and trainees with industry-leading simulation tools based on NuScale’s proprietary reactor technology. By providing realistic operational scenarios and hands-on learning opportunities, the center will help prepare future engineers, operators, and technical specialists to meet the evolving demands of the energy industry. He noted that the facility supports both Virginia’s and the nation’s broader clean energy objectives by developing a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting advanced nuclear deployment.
NuScale has established itself as one of the most recognized companies in the emerging SMR market. The company’s reactor technology is notable for being the first and only SMR design to receive design approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), a milestone that has positioned NuScale at the forefront of advanced nuclear development. The company has also progressed toward commercial deployment, with manufacturing activities already underway for key reactor components.
The E2 Center concept serves as a cornerstone of NuScale’s educational outreach strategy. These centers provide an interactive learning platform where participants can experience the complexities of operating a modern nuclear power plant without entering an actual facility. Through advanced computer modeling and realistic control room simulations, users can monitor reactor systems, respond to operational events, and gain a deeper understanding of how nuclear energy technologies function.
At the UVA Wise facility, students will have access to a four-module control room simulator modeled after NuScale’s SMR technology. The simulator recreates the operational environment of a power plant utilizing NuScale Power Modules, allowing participants to assume the roles of plant operators and engineers. They can respond to changing operational conditions, evaluate system performance, and practice decision-making in a safe and controlled setting.
The center is expected to play an important role in supporting workforce transition initiatives throughout Southwest Virginia. Historically known for its contributions to traditional energy industries, the region is increasingly exploring opportunities in advanced energy technologies and clean power generation. By introducing state-of-the-art nuclear training resources, the E2 Center provides a pathway for students and workers to acquire skills that align with future energy sector needs.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger highlighted the strategic importance of advanced nuclear energy in supporting the Commonwealth’s long-term energy goals. She noted that as electricity demand continues to increase, Virginia must expand its energy generation portfolio while ensuring affordability and reliability for consumers and businesses.
According to Governor Spanberger, advanced nuclear technologies represent a critical component of the state’s energy future. She pointed out that Southwest Virginia has long played an important role in powering the Commonwealth and that the installation of one of the few facilities of its kind in the world reflects the region’s strong energy heritage and future potential. The governor emphasized that the investment benefits students, local communities, and the broader state economy while helping Virginia address rising energy demand.
State energy officials also underscored the significance of the project. Mike Skiffington, Acting Director of Virginia Energy, described the E2 Center as an example of how public investment can support emerging technologies and workforce development simultaneously. He noted that the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank was established to help accelerate innovation, strengthen workforce capabilities, and provide communities with the resources needed to make informed energy decisions in the years ahead.
Economic development leaders view the facility as a valuable asset in attracting future business investment. Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Carrie Chenery stated that companies evaluating locations for expansion increasingly seek access to reliable energy supplies, skilled workers, and strong institutional partnerships. The presence of the E2 Center demonstrates that Virginia possesses all three elements, reinforcing Southwest Virginia’s attractiveness as a destination for energy-related investment and economic growth.
Leadership at UVA Wise also expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities the center will create for students and the surrounding region. Chancellor Donna P. Henry emphasized that the facility will enhance educational programs, expand STEM outreach initiatives, and provide valuable exposure to one of the most promising technologies in the global energy transition.
She noted that the simulator offers a unique opportunity for students and workforce participants to gain practical experience with advanced nuclear technology while increasing awareness of future energy possibilities. The center is expected to support classroom instruction, research activities, community engagement programs, and workforce training initiatives that prepare participants for careers in energy, engineering, and technology fields.
Beyond its local impact, the UVA Wise center becomes part of a growing global network of NuScale E2 facilities. With the addition of the Virginia installation, NuScale now operates E2 Centers at 12 educational and research institutions around the world. These facilities are designed to foster knowledge sharing, workforce development, and public understanding of advanced nuclear technology.
The network includes prominent institutions such as George Mason University, Idaho State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Texas A&M University, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, South Carolina State University, the University Politehnica of Bucharest, the Ghana Atomic Commission, and Seoul National University. Together, these centers provide thousands of students and professionals with opportunities to explore the operational principles and potential applications of advanced SMR technology.
As nations pursue cleaner and more resilient energy systems, workforce readiness is becoming a critical factor in the successful deployment of next-generation energy infrastructure. Facilities such as the UVA Wise Energy Exploration Center help bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements by providing realistic training environments and practical operational experience.
The opening of the new E2 Center represents more than the launch of an educational facility. It symbolizes a broader commitment to building the talent pipeline necessary for the future of nuclear energy while supporting economic development, technological innovation, and clean energy advancement. Through collaboration among industry, government, and higher education institutions, the initiative positions Southwest Virginia as an emerging center for advanced nuclear education and workforce excellence while contributing to the growth of the global SMR industry.
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