Nuclear Science and Energy Center of Economic Excellence

Inception:
2008

About the CoEE:

This CoEE will focus on the design, development, and analysis of advanced materials that will be required to extend the life of existing nuclear power reactors and to develop a new generation of more efficient reactors.

No nuclear reactors have come on line in the United States in more than a decade, but as a new group of plants is being planned nationwide, USC is poised to be a major academic leader in this area, especially as many nuclear engineering academic programs throughout the country have been terminated. According to a report issued by the U.S. Department of Energy, the number of independent nuclear engineering programs has fallen by about 50% since the mid-1980s.

South Carolina is already a national leader in nuclear power, generating 56% of its electricity via nuclear reactors. Within a 120-mile radius of Columbia, 11 large commercial nuclear power plants provide more than 10% of the nation's nuclear-generated energy. At the same time, USC has a strong presence in the clean energy/alternative fuels arena. This CoEE will help make South Carolina a force in finding solutions to the United State's current reliance on energy production that results in pollution and other negative effects on the environment.

Funding level:
$3 million

CoEE endowed chair: