Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank (VCEIB), in partnership with Virginia Energy, is awarding $275,000 to the University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) for the creation of a nuclear control room simulator. This simulator aims to provide workforce training in Southwest Virginia and will be one of only two NuScale E2 Center control room simulators on the East Coast.
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 new small modular reactor (SMR) control room simulator will be used for workforce and professional training as well as K–12 STEM programming. It will also be featured during community open houses to help build public understanding of advanced nuclear technology and clean energy. The project is intended to prepare a skilled regional workforce for future nuclear deployment and energy-intensive industries such as data centers.
Glenn Davis, Director of the Virginia Department of Energy, stated, “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 Virginia Department of Energy, 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 integrate the simulator into its workforce programming through an SMR Operations and Control Simulation Lab at its Oxbow Center in St. Paul. This lab will immerse students in reactor operations, safety protocols, and emergency response scenarios. Similar simulators are already installed at George Mason University and Virginia Commonwealth University.
Collaboration efforts include working with George Mason University, the Virginia Innovative Nuclear Hub (VINHub), and the Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium (VNEC) to share curriculum resources and technical expertise across educational institutions statewide.
Donna P. Henry, Chancellor of UVA Wise said: “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.”
The grant from VCEIB will cover purchasing costs for the simulator as well as installation and initial training activities. UVA Wise expects to confirm its order by December 2025 with installation and training beginning January 2026.
VCEIB continues supporting similar initiatives throughout Virginia by providing loans and other financial tools aimed at accelerating clean power generation projects statewide. More information about funding opportunities through VCEIB can be found online.
