RICHMOND, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The University of Virginia is part of a consortium of universities across the Commonwealth lending expertise in nuclear engineering, materials science, and computational modeling in what Governor Youngkin is establishing as a $1.2-million Virginia Innovative Nuclear Hub, or VIN Hub. The Governor Wednesday announced the grant through the Virginia Department of Energy “funding establishment of critical research infrastructure and, support for workforce training”. The Governor touts the initiative as “further positioning Virginia as the nation’s leader in next-generation nuclear technologies”.

One of the aspects is a $750,000 planning project assessing the feasibility, design, and implementation strategy for a micro-scale research reactor in Virginia, known as Virginia Research & Education Reactor Facility, or VA-RERF. The facility will serve as a flexible testbed for advanced materials research, reactor simulation, and hands-on nuclear workforce training. The goal is to reduce Virginia’s reliance on out-of-state labs and expand in-state capabilities that support industry and academia alike.

Another aspect is a $462,000 Virginia Center for Nuclear Materials and Reliability. The Governor says “VIN Hub will develop a collaboration model for the development of a research center focused on materials degradation in non-aqueous environments—a key challenge for Generation IV reactors. The VA-CNMR will address gaps in materials science, help shape national standards, and support industry efforts to deploy safer, longer-lasting nuclear technologies.”

“From our world-class universities and research institutions to our skilled workforce and innovative companies, every aspect of Virginia’s ecosystem is aligned to advance nuclear innovation,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “These strategic investments will accelerate our momentum, creating high-quality jobs, strengthening our energy security, and cementing the Commonwealth’s position as America’s nuclear innovation leader for decades to come.”

The other universities involved along with UVA are Virginia Tech, VCU, and Liberty. Click here all the information.