The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has joined the Nuclear Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Precast — known as NuCAMP — an initiative focused on advancing new manufacturing and construction methods for nuclear applications and developing vocational training to support the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors. NuCAMP takes a holistic approach to bringing promising manufacturing and construction methods to the U.S. nuclear industry, incorporating the perspectives of research and development partners, workforce partners and the companies actively building advanced reactor projects.
Under a signed memorandum of understanding, Kairos Power will lead the initiative in collaboration with UT, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, Barnard Construction, Roane State Community College, Chattanooga State Community College and Oak Ridge Schools.
In addition, Kairos Power and two international collaborators, Samsung C&T Engineering and Construction Group and Cambridge Vacuum Engineering, are exploring opportunities to provide strategic advisory services in advanced manufacturing and construction.
“We are delighted to be working with our NuCAMP partners on this initiative,” said Deb Crawford, vice chancellor for research, innovation, and economic development. “UT will contribute cutting-edge research capabilities that make Tennessee companies more competitive, and new workforce development and training programs that prepare Tennesseans for good jobs in our thriving nuclear economy.”
UT, IACMI, Kairos Power and ORNL will provide research, engineering and manufacturing expertise to advance the technologies and address code gaps that currently limit their use in nuclear construction.
Research priorities include:
Through NuCAMP, teams will explore opportunities to develop technical information to support code, regulatory and licensing engagement for the new technologies, which are not fully qualified under industry codes governing safety-related nuclear structures and components.
NuCAMP also plans to explore how its member organizations can partner to develop education and training programs as manufacturing and construction methods mature.
As part of the process, UT will evaluate two proposed master’s degree programs, one focused on manufacturing engineering for factory-based nuclear production and another on precast concrete construction.
Kairos Power’s Reactor Demonstration Campus in Oak Ridge will host NuCAMP and provide facilities for manufacturing development, workforce training, and collaboration. The campus includes space for precast production, equipment assembly, welding and additive manufacturing.
“I am excited for the Tickle College of Engineering to be a part of such a comprehensive partnership at many levels of education, research and development,” said Matthew Mench, Wayne T. Davis Chair and dean of the college. “I can’t wait to see what this partnership can accomplish during a time when transformational advances in reactor engineering and construction are greatly needed.”