Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) unveiled a cutting-edge nuclear training lab with a ribbon-cutting in Room 2027 of the Jonsson Engineering Center (JEC), a hub of RPI’s School of Engineering on its Troy campus.

In partnership with RPI, NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE: SMR) launched its latest Energy Exploration (E2) Center at the university, offering students a hands-on learning opportunity by demonstrating real-world nuclear power plant scenarios in a simulated control room. The control room simulator hosts 12 NuScale Power Modules™, allowing students to operate virtual nuclear power plants as they prepare for a potential career in nuclear energy.

Installed in February, the simulator’s components—featuring digital procedures, a tiered alert system, and automated controls—give students hands-on experience in small modular reactor (SMR) operations, a field NuScale is spearheading with its Corvallis, Oregon-based mission for carbon-free energy.

“These new learning opportunities will provide students with a comprehensive education, bridging theory with practice and preparing them to understand, implement, and comply with reactor operation safety regulations in line with nuclear industry standards,” said Shanbin Shi, Ph.D., assistant professor of mechanical, aerospace, and nuclear engineering.

The E2 Center will augment undergraduate courses through the integration of hands-on experiences that complement theoretical concepts.

“We are proud to join with the faculty and students at RPI to open this NuScale E2 Center aimed at showcasing the importance of nuclear energy,” said NuScale President and Chief Executive Officer John Hopkins. “We hope that this learning facility will foster collaborative problemsolving and creative solutions that inspire future energy pioneers and equip a nuclear-ready workforce.”

NuScale is an industry-leading provider of advanced SMR, offering safer, smaller nuclear power technology for a clean energy future.

“Having a high-quality simulator on campus will provide our students with exciting learning opportunities in the design, operation, and control of modern, small modular reactors,” said Shekhar Garde, Ph.D., dean of the RPI School of Engineering. “This capability adds to the growing strength of RPI’s School of Engineering in augmented, virtual, and digital technologies for education, where students can learn about everything from atoms to galaxies, and work on designing new drugs, airplanes, and now, nuclear reactors.”

About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute:  
Founded in 1824 for the application of science to the common purposes of life, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the first technological research university in the United States. Today, it is recognized as a premier university, noted for its robust and holistic learning community that connects creativity with science and technology. RPI is dedicated to inventing for the future, from shaping the scientists, engineers, technologists, architects, and entrepreneurs who will define what’s next for humanity, to research that bridges disciplines to solve the world's toughest problems. Learn more at rpi.edu.

About NuScale Power: 
Founded in 2007, NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE: SMR) develops small modular reactor technology to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable energy worldwide. For information, visit www.nuscalepower.com.