Advancing Nuclear Research
NC State continues to pioneer North Carolina’s clean energy research, education and workforce development.
Fueling North Carolina
We’ve been leading the way in nuclear research since 1953, when the first academic research reactor in the world — the Raleigh Research Reactor (R1) — opened on NC State’s campus.
The Wolfpack is home to innovative engineers who learn, teach and collaborate on leading research using the R-4 PULSTAR, the fourth reactor to be commissioned and operated at the university. Now, we’re rising to the challenge to determine how we can implement nuclear power as a clean electricity source.
NC State is prepared to continue meeting the clean energy workforce needs of North Carolina and the southeastern U.S. through our undergraduate and graduate programs in nuclear engineering. For decades, we’ve equipped our students with hands-on operations and research experience — including the ability to become a licensed reactor operator — before they enter the workforce.
The 2022 CHIPS and Science Act authorized $390 million to fund up to four advanced research reactors on university campuses. Being selected for this funding would ensure NC State remains a national leader in implementing nuclear power as a clean energy source throughout the state and region.
Nuclear Reactor Program
Opportunity for Growth
For more than 70 years, NC State has safely operated a light-water-based nuclear research reactor program and equipped graduates with practical skills and the experience needed to fuel our state’s economic development. Supported by our research, education and training, our programs directly produce nuclear industry employees and technology advancements.
NC State received a state budget allocation to determine the feasibility of a new research facility.
With the support of the N.C. General Assembly, we are now conducting a study to assess the feasibility of establishing and operating a new advanced research reactor.
The opportunity for NC State to continue innovating in the nuclear energy frontier could result in smaller, cheaper and safer nuclear power reactors in North Carolina, with the potential to generate between $1-2 billion in annual revenue for the state, according to the latest regional and state-level analysis by E4 Carolinas.
70+ Years
of successfully and safely operating the only light-water-based university nuclear reactor
Home to the 1st
nuclear engineering curriculum and non-governmental research reactor in the country
#3
nuclear engineering graduate
program in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report
Expanding Partnerships
Developing and sustaining a powerful workforce is central to NC State’s mission. The N.C. General Assembly’s generous funding allocation for the feasibility study recognizes NC State as a leader in science and engineering in North Carolina and beyond. The feasibility funding — and federal funding, if selected — will bolster our work and engagement with public and private partners.
The federal funding allocated through the CHIPS and Science Act to build modern clean energy training facilities on college campuses would directly support our mission and goals of education and discovery. A core committee will lead the university’s study and ensure our key stakeholders are engaged throughout the process.
