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A Different SMR
 In past issues, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) have been highlighted. For the most part these SMRs discussed have been the Light Water Reactor (LWR) design. In this design, light water (ordinary water) is used as the moderator in U.S. reactors as well as the cooling agent and the means by which heat is removed to produce steam for turning the turbines of the electric generators. Light water SMRs are flexible for utilities as the modular design allows for capacity to be added incrementally as needed.
Another SMR design is the High-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs). These reactors are cooled by a gas, like helium, and use a different moderator, like a prismatic graphite block. Graphite, used as a moderator, has a large thermal capacity and becomes a large heat sink. This feature, coupled with the negative temperature feedback characteristics of the core, mitigates abnormal power increase and slows temperature rises during an incident, resulting in excellent safety characteristics.
The modular HTGR is the next-generation reactor capable of utilizing high temperature heat (up to 950 �C), which is significantly higher than the 300 �C temperature that can be used with light water reactors (LWRs). This reactor can be used for high efficiency power production with a direct gas-turbine using high temperature heat, hydrogen production from water using a thermo-chemical process, or as a process heat supply using high temperature steam for chemical plants. These reactors also could be used in the development of tar sands, oil shale and coal-to-liquids applications. The small nuclear reactors would reduce the life-cycle carbon footprint of all these activities.
The Next Generation Nuclear Power (NGNP) Alliance has a primary purpose to promote the development and commercialization of High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (HTGR) technologies. HTGR technology offers a major opportunity to stabilize historically volatile prices for premium fossil fuels and extends America's limited resources of this commodity. Stabilizing energy costs will encourage a return of process industry facilities to the U.S. from offshore locations where lower and more stably priced fuels and feedstocks have been available. To learn more, visit their webpage at http://www.ngnpalliance.org/.
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Ignite Your Mind!
 Employers involved with the SRSCRO's Nuclear Workforce Initiative consistently say they seek strong math and science skills in new employees. An opportunity to ignite that interest is coming on October 13th from 10am-3pm at the USC Aiken campus with the 27th Annual S.E.E.D. - Science Education Enrichment Day. From driving a championship robot to traveling through a virtual representation of outer space, participants can actively experience innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and the event is free!
Ruth Patrick Science Education Center (RPSEC) hosts the popular community event that involves student groups, regional corporations, museums, educators, and national labs presenting hundreds of activities for people of all ages. This year, S.E.E.D. is also a Satellite Event of the USA Science & Engineering Festival in Washington D.C. According to Dr. Gary Senn, Director of the RPSEC at USC Aiken, "The mission of the USA Science & Engineering Festival in Washington D.C. is to re-invigorate the interest of our nation's youth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This is parallel to the motto of the RPSEC, 'Infusing a Love for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.' We are delighted that the USA Festival has invited satellite events to be involved in their initiative. This partnership benefits all."
For more information, click here. |
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ANSR at SRSCRO
 The region is taking a big leap forward in nuclear workforce development. New education programs are answering the long-term nuclear workforce needs locally and nationally - needs that stem from growth in the nuclear industry and attrition due to the aging nuclear workforce. In fact, seven new programs across the Georgia/South Carolina region are in development through a partnership of five colleges and universities and the SRSCRO. Some of the programs are already enrolling students and offer scholarships. Collectively, the programs are funded through a Department of Energy grant called Advancing Nuclear Skills Regionally (ANSR), and each offers exciting opportunities for local citizens.
The SRSCRO administers the ANSR grant and serves as the point of contact for the Department of Energy and the partner institutions - Aiken Technical College, Augusta State University, Augusta Technical College, University of South Carolina Aiken and the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie. The SRSCRO role extends beyond financial and reporting coordination to include promotion of ANSR programs in the region.
Stay tuned to find out more details. A new series of articles will spotlight each ANSR program in future editions of The Bridge. |
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2013 Continuing Resolution
 On July 31, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) announced a tentative deal on a six-month FY 2013 Continuing Resolution (CR). The deal will prevent a contentious fiscal showdown prior to the November elections and remove the FY 2013 spending bills from the already-packed Congressional agenda for the lame duck session.
On September 13, the U.S. House approved the Continuing Resolution (H.J.Res. 117) to fund the federal government until March 27, 2013. The temporary funding measure continues funding at the current rate of operations for federal agencies, programs and services, and provides funding for FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund, for relief and recovery following disasters such as the recent Hurricane Isaac. The bill makes minimal changes to fiscal year 2012 spending levels, except in cases that would cause catastrophic, irreversible, or detrimental changes to government programs, and to ensure good government and program oversight.
Over this weekend with a vote in the middle of the night due to procedural hurdles, the U.S. Senate approved the Continuing Resolution (CR) by a vote of 62-30 to keep the government funded through late March at an annual rate of $1.047 trillion. The bill now heads to President Obama who is expected to sign it. Passage of the CR removes the threat of a government shutdown by funding government operations past the end of the budget year and the elections.
The CR would allow most discretionary government programs to increase over their Fiscal Year 2012 levels by a mechanistic 0.612 percent. A limited number of specific funding changes are contained in the CR, including "A provision allowing additional funding for nuclear weapons modernization efforts, to ensure the safety, security, and reliability of the nation's nuclear stockpile"
Specifically, the bill would:
- Under the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) - Weapons Activities Account, provide $7,577,341,000 for operations. This is an increase over the fiscal year 2012 rate of $7,233,997,000
- Under the NNSA - Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Account, "an additional amount is made available for domestic uranium enrichment research, development, and demonstration at a rate for operations of $100,000,000."
Virtually all policy and funding provisions included in currently enacted Appropriations legislation will carry forward in the CR. After the elections, Congress will face a perfect storm of expiring legislation, including expiring tax cuts, sequestration, extending the debt ceiling and the possibility of another government shutdown. |
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SRSCRO Spotlight | |
SRSCRO
Appointing Entity
Aiken County Council
Aiken County is the only county in the United States named "Aiken." Formed in 1871 by combining portions of Edgefield, Lexington, Orangeburg, and Barnwell counties, Aiken County was named for William Aiken, who was the first president of the South Carolina Railroad and Canal Company. Mr. Aiken reportedly never visited the County. (Aiken County Government History)
The 2010 Census counted 160,099 persons living in the County, an increase of about 18,000 from 2000. Aiken is the fourth largest South Carolina county by land area (1,073 square miles).
The County is governed by the County Council, comprised of an elected-at-large Council Chairman Ronnie Young and 8 members elected from single-member districts.
Aiken County's appointment to the SRSCRO Board of Directors is Aiken County Councilman Chuck Smith. Mr. Smith bee serving the SRSCRO Board since 1998 and is currently amember of the SRSCRO Finance Committee, Yucca Mountain Task Force and Fuel Cycle Task Force. |
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Board Member Recognized
Special recognition was given to Ms. KD Justyn at her last SRSCRO Meeting.
Ms. Justyn has been an active and engaged SRSCRO Board Member since 2009 and served on the SRSCRO Audit Committee and the SRSCRO Finance Committee.
SRSCRO Audit Committee Chair Sanford Loyd presented the award and thanked Ms. Justyn for her service to the SRSCRO. |
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Welcome New SRSCRO Board Members
Terra replaces Brian Tucker on the SRSCRO Board, who left earlier this month to become the president of the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce near Myrtle Beach.
As a Congressional Appointee to the SRSCRO Board, Dr. Jordan fulfills the unexpired term of retired USC-Aiken Chancellor, Dr. Tom Hallman.
Will replaces KD Justyn on the SRSCRO Board.
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