NC State has operated a light-water-moderated nuclear research reactor program for more than 70 years on North Campus. It has and continues to be an integral part of teaching, research and service for campus and non-campus clients. It has equipped students with practical skills and experience needed to fuel our state’s economic development. It is time for an additional, innovative next step.

At the direction of the North Carolina General Assembly, NC State conducted a study to assess the feasibility of establishing and operating new advanced research and training reactor (RTR). It is an important first step toward better positioning NC State – and, in turn, North Carolina – to be a national frontrunner in advanced nuclear technology and moving the country toward global energy leadership.

An advanced RTR at NC State will help support the state’s power ecosystem and spur the innovation required to manufacture and deploy smaller, cheaper, and safer nuclear power reactors in North Carolina. This work has the potential to generate $1-2 billion in annual revenue for the state, according to the latest regional and state-level analysis by E4 Carolinas, the trade association for energy companies in North and South Carolina.

The location on Centennial Campus has been selected, and with the support of the North Carolina General Assembly, NC State recommends proceeding with advanced planning. This phase of work will include reactor design, surveys, site characterization, safety and environmental assessments, and preliminary facility, as well as regulatory and stakeholder engagement.

Details and recommendations for next steps are outlined in this study and can be accessed here.