Reactor Control Room & Simulator Lab

The Power of Simulation

Idaho State University has a long-standing relationship with the nation’s nuclear energy industry and a new simulator at the College of Technology will continue to strengthen those bonds. On October 26, 2022, the new Reactor Control Room & Simulator Lab was unveiled to the public. Designed by NuScale Power, this simulator recreates a control room for NuScale small modular reactor (SMR) plants — such as the ones planned at the Idaho National Laboratory. This is the largest simulator of its kind at an educational institution and allows students to simulate the operation of 12 SMRs at once. “At ISU, students can gain an amazing education in nuclear science from an associate degree in Nuclear Operations to a Ph.D. in Nuclear Science and Engineering,” said Idaho State University College of Technology Interim Dean Debbie Ronneburg. “Nuclear Operations students experience the past, current and future of nuclear energy.” The Reactor Control Room & Simulator Lab is a much-needed addition to nuclear energy education at Idaho State University. “The AGN-201 reactor housed in the College of Science and Engineering exposes students to a real, low-powered reactor that allows them to conduct a variety of experiments and supervised operations,” said Ronneburg. “With the NuScale Small Modular Reactor simulator, we are training technicians for tomorrow’s nuclear energy careers.”

Nuclear Operations students train on the new Reactor Control Room & Simulator Lab.

Students in the College of Technology’s Energy Systems Nuclear Operations Technology Program can now take on the role of a control room operator. “We emphasize control room operations, how to operate a reactor, how to enter and exit a control room, how to speak and log work,” said Mackenzie Gorham, program coordinator for the Energy Systems Nuclear Operations Technology Program. “We also look at the appropriate electrical and mechanical systems and maintenance to help those reactors run. The Reactor Control Room & Simulator Lab helps us accomplish that by giving students a place to practice those skills while also increasing their understanding of how a reactor operates.” Students say this equipment will further prepare them for their careers in the nuclear industry. “The instructors in this program have gone above and beyond to provide us with industry knowledge and meetings with industry professionals,” said Joseph Long, a second-year Energy Systems Nuclear Operations Technology student. “Now that I’ve seen the innovation and new technologies that this has demonstrated, I believe I would love to work for NuScale or at a similar reactor.” This simulator can also help the workforce as the job requirements in the energy industry evolve in the future. “We are also looking to see how to reskill people from coal fire plants that are shut down into nuclear operators,” said Vince Bowen, executive director and chair of the Energy Systems Technology & Education Center. “These jobs — right now, today — start at $85,000 per year fresh out of our school.” If you would like to schedule a tour or learn more about the Reactor Control Room & Simulator Lab, visit isu.edu/tech.