EngenuitySC

USC center will focus on enhancing nuclear energy

A new SmartState Center of Economic Excellence will be established at the University of South Carolina to develop strategies for improving and enhancing the use of nuclear energy.

San Diego-based General Atomics will give $900,000 to establish the General Atomics Center for Development of Transformational Nuclear Technologies, university officials announced Tuesday (Oct. 11). South Carolina will match the gift with $3 million to start the center in USC’s College of Engineering and Computing.

USC President Harris Pastides said the center will expand the scope of USC’s energy research program and have a significant impact on the power industry.

“This is a pivotal time in the power industry,” Pastides said. “Demand for safe, reliable and affordable electricity is increasing. At the same time events in Japan have raised the topic of nuclear power and safety. Researchers at this center will work to ensure that nuclear power remains safe, clean and affordable and, in the course of their work, help train a new generation of nuclear engineers for this growing industry.”

Read on at sc.edu.