Carolina Headlines - Energy & Renewables

COLUMBIA, SC – NuHub, an initiative launched by a collaborative group of public, private, higher education, and workforce development stakeholders led by EngenuitySC, debuted at the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) conference in Columbia last week.

The conference attracted agencies from around the world and industry heavyweights such as Westinghouse, AREVA, and GE, along with the U.S. Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Army and utilities across the nation, including TVA and SCANA. The speakers, ranging from industry experts, to elected officials, to global CEOs, outlined the challenges, opportunities, and benefits of developing, producing, and using SMRs to address the energy needs of the future. The conference also highlighted NuHub’s plans to work to provide a platform supporting the growth of the nuclear industry in the Midstate region of South Carolina.

The message of the Midstate as a hub of the nuclear industry was echoed by high-profile panelists including South Carolina Congressmen Jim Clyburn and Joe Wilson. “We are very much bipartisan on the effort to attract nuclear energy companies to our respective districts in the Midstate of South Carolina,” Wilson said. Clyburn concurred: “We have worked together, and will continue to work together, to ensure the ongoing success of the nuclear industry in our state.” 

Steve Byrne, co-chairman of NuHub, outlined the steps the region will take to build on its tradition as a center for nuclear power. “Within the next 15 years,” Byrne said, “there will be major capital investment in nuclear power generation deployed within a 100 mile radius of Columbia, so this presents a significant opportunity for the Midstate region to expand nuclear and other clean technologies.” 

What’s more, the Midstate of South Carolina is home to a number of universities and technical colleges that are certified to train nuclear engineers, as well as to help nuclear suppliers learn the skills necessary to succeed in the industry. “The Midstate region possesses a unique blend of talented workforce, existing sites, and resources, combined with an unmatched entrepreneurial spirit,” said Dr. Sonny White, president of Midlands Technical College. “These assets contribute to positioning our region as a potential, national hub for the nuclear industry, and Midlands Technical College is proud to partner in this endeavor as we prepare the next generation of South Carolina’s workforce to take advantage of these new economic development opportunities.”

In addition to Midlands Tech’s workforce development programs, the University of South Carolina has a respected nuclear engineering program, whose graduates will be looking to fill the gaps that will soon open as a large percentage of the nuclear industry’s workforce retires. And, as Congressman Clyburn pointed out, South Carolina State University boasts “the only undergraduate nuclear engineering program located at an HBCU (historically black college/university.”

With its history of nuclear power around the Savannah River Plant and other sites, its educational resources, and its concerted push to establish the area as a nuclear hub, the Midstate is well-positioned to expand its reach and build on its strengths. “The key to growing our knowledge-based economy in the Midstate region is leveraging our existing resources and seeking opportunities where we can be a leader,” said Neil McLean, executive director of EngenuitySC. “The SMR Conference is a great example of this, and it has allowed us to make an impression and show companies why they would have a competitive advantage if they located or expanded their operations in the Midstate,” he concluded.

About NuHub
NuHub is a collaborative group of public, private, higher education and workforce development stakeholders working to maximize economic and job creation opportunities for the nuclear industry in the Midstate region of South Carolina, and to establish the Midstate as a hub and global leader for nuclear energy innovation. NuHub’s executive committee is comprised of broad, collaborative leadership representing the region’s strong nuclear assets and supporters, which will provide strategic vision, governance and direction to the group. Executive committee members include: Co-chairman Steve Byrne,  Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President for Generation and transmission at SCE&G; Co-chairman Dr. Sonny White, President of Midlands Technical College; Don Herriott, Director of Innovista Partnerships for the University of South Carolina; and Donald Goldbach, Director of Manufacturing Strategy with Westinghouse Electric Company. A Leadership Committee and Advisory Board will also serve the role of providing community input to NuHub and will consist of a diverse range of stakeholders. Regional participants include representatives from the Good to Great Foundation of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, SCRA, Midlands Technical College, the University of South Carolina, Westinghouse, SCANA, SRNS, DOD, Shaw Group, Tetra Tech, and local community and business leaders. Please visit www.Nuhubsc.com for more information.

About EngenuitySC
EngenuitySC is a public/private partnership with the mission of growing the knowledge-based economy in the Columbia, SC, region. EngenuitySC leads initiatives that leverage the region’s assets, promote commercialization, and support research while building collaborations around these projects that are comprised of leaders from business, government and higher education. Together these partners foster an environment where entrepreneurship, innovation, and the creation of knowledge are fundamental elements of the region's identity enabling us to imagine more jobs and opportunities for the future.