• Initiatives aim to enhance Wyoming’s nuclear energy capacity and prepare a skilled workforce for the future

In a recent interview on the Weekday Wake-Up with Duke Dance, Chad Baldwin, Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the University of Wyoming (UW), discussed the significant advancements in nuclear energy research at UW. This comes on the heels of the announcement that six innovative nuclear-related research proposals have been selected for funding by the School of Energy Resources (SER).

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“Our School of Energy Resources provided some money to nuclear-related projects on campus. They have been approved and are moving forward,” Baldwin stated during the interview. This funding initiative aims to enhance Wyoming’s nuclear energy sector and develop a skilled workforce to support it.

The six projects, which received funding following a competitive review process, are designed to advance Wyoming’s full fuel cycle and build continued capacity in the nuclear energy sector. “This is about research and propelling things further,” Baldwin emphasized, noting the strategic alignment of these projects with SER’s goals.

Among the funded projects is “Systems Analysis of Advanced Nuclear Reactors for Powering AI Data Centers,” led by Haibo Zhai, which explores the potential for transnuclear reactors to power AI data centers across the state. Baldwin highlighted, “The facility in Kemmerer is probably just the first here in Wyoming,” suggesting a growing commitment to nuclear energy infrastructure.

Additionally, the funded projects span key areas such as the fuel cycle value chain, advanced materials, and workforce development. Notably, one of the projects, “Public Perceptions, Public Policy: A Mixed-Methods Study of a Wyoming Nuclear Power Host-Community,” aims to engage local communities in discussions about nuclear energy.

Baldwin also acknowledged the contributions of Western Wyoming Community College, stating, “We know that Western Wyoming Community College has had a big role in what has happened in Kemmerer.” This collaboration underscores the importance of community engagement in the transition to nuclear energy.

As UW continues to lead in nuclear energy research, the selected proposals reflect a commitment to innovation and a sustainable energy future for Wyoming.