NuScale Energy Exploration Center at Fuse offers students a state-of-the-art simulated reactor control room

George Mason University's College of Engineering and Computing announces the opening of the Energy Exploration (E2) Center in partnership with NuScale Power Corporation at Fuse at Mason Square.  

The E2 Center, the largest of its kind in the United States, engages students in hands-on nuclear science and engineering educational activities. The center was funded by a grant from the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank, powered by the Virginia Department of Energy, a strategic investment in Virginia’s nuclear energy workforce development. 

NuScale E2 Centers, including the one at George Mason, feature a state-of-the-art simulator that replicates a NuScale small modular reactor (SMR) control room. Students at George Mason will have the unique opportunity to assume the role of a control room operator, engaging with real-life scenarios that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.  

“This cutting-edge SMR control room simulator will ensure that our students have access to emerging technologies that will drive innovation,” said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason. “Partnerships such as this give our students the tools and education they will need to prepare for the future and become part of Virginia’s dynamic workforce.”  

George Mason is invested in solving humanity’s ultimate grand challenge: securing a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous future. As a part of the Grand Challenge Initiative, the simulator is part of George Mason’s commitment to advancing a 21st-century education for all as well as building a climate-resilient society.  

The establishment of NuScale’s E2 Center at George Mason also marks a significant advancement for Virginia's educational landscape, preparing the next generation of nuclear professionals to engage with the evolving energy industry. 

"A reliable and increasingly clean energy future is what the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank is all about," said Glenn Davis, director of the Virginia Department of Energy. "With this investment alongside world-class higher-education partners at George Mason and cutting-edge industry leaders at NuScale, we're ensuring Virginia has the energy to power our thriving economy and the expertise to continue leading the nation in innovation, education, and opportunity." 

“The opening of NuScale’s E2 Center at George Mason reinforces our mission to drive innovation in nuclear energy and inspire the next generation of leaders,” said NuScale President and Chief Executive Officer John Hopkins. “Together, we are shaping a skilled nuclear-ready workforce and fostering a more informed public, providing a strong foundation for the future of clean, reliable energy in Virginia and around the world.” 

Fuse at Mason Square is a 345,000-square-foot facility designed to promote technology, partnerships, and community engagement. The E2 Center, which opened at the end of May, offers opportunities outside the college curriculum, including practical demonstrations and interactive tours for local leaders and K-12 students, to deepen their understanding of nuclear power and the role it plays in providing reliable, clean energy. 

In addition to the E2 Center at George Mason, NuScale has centers at Idaho State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Texas A&M, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, South Carolina State University, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, and Seoul National University. Learn more about NuScale E2 Centers here.