Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank (VCEIB), supported by Virginia Energy, will provide a $275,000 grant to the University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) for the development of a nuclear control room simulator. This simulator is intended to support workforce training in Southwest Virginia and will be one of only two NuScale E2 Center control room simulators on the East Coast.
The new facility aims to establish Southwest Virginia as a center for advanced nuclear energy training and clean power workforce development. According to Governor Youngkin, “Virginia is leading the way in pairing innovation with opportunity, and this new NuScale small modular reactor simulator at UVA Wise is a powerful example of that vision in action. By investing in advanced nuclear training in Southwest Virginia, we are preparing our students and workers for the next generation of high-paying energy and technology jobs while strengthening our All-American, All-of-the-Above Energy Plan.”
The simulator will provide not only professional workforce training but also additional STEM programming for K–12 students and community events designed to improve public understanding of advanced nuclear technology and clean energy. The initiative is expected to help prepare local workers for future roles in nuclear deployment and industries such as data centers.
Glenn Davis, Director of the Virginia Department of Energy, said, “The VCEIB’s investment in this NuScale simulator at UVA Wise is a strategic step toward securing the highly skilled workforce Virginia needs for its advanced nuclear future. By bringing cutting-edge SMR training capabilities to Southwest Virginia, we are strengthening the region’s role in clean energy innovation.”
Julianne Szyper, Deputy Director of the department, added: “The simulator supports the Commonwealth’s goals for delivering reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean power. Furthermore, we are strengthening the cooperative environment for our higher education, industry leaders, and our communities, which is essential as we address the energy challenges of the future.”
UVA Wise plans to use the grant to purchase and install the simulator at its Oxbow Center in St. Paul. The college will also create an SMR Operations and Control Simulation Lab where students can train in reactor operations, safety protocols, and emergency response scenarios. The project involves collaboration with George Mason University, Virginia Innovative Nuclear Hub (VINHub), and Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium (VNEC) to share resources and maximize educational benefits across the state.
Donna P. Henry, Chancellor of UVA Wise stated: “We are excited for this new opportunity to help the region’s workforce gain hands-on experience with one of the world’s leading technologies. The NuScale simulator will enhance our outreach programs, expand STEM outreach, and help increase understanding about energy possibilities while positioning Southwest Virginia at the forefront of clean energy workforce development.”
Installation activities are set to begin early next year following confirmation of equipment orders this December.
The VCEIB provides funding through loans or other financing tools aimed at accelerating clean power generation projects throughout Virginia by leveraging both public and private capital.
More information about funding opportunities through VCEIB can be found online.
