The Shadow
RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank (VCEIB), powered by Virginia Energy, has approved $1 million in funding to the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center’s Secure Energy Future Center to help install a control room simulator of TerraPower’s Natrium® technology in Arlington, a key step in positioning the Commonwealth as a national leader in advanced nuclear energy and energy storage research.
This simulator, which models an advanced nuclear reactor paired with an integrated energy storage system, will anchor an Integrated Advanced Nuclear and Energy Storage Hub that links Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech Corporate Research assets in Arlington, Newport News, Blacksburg, and Roanoke. The hub also connects Hampton Roads’ defense, maritime, energy, and port strengths with Northern Virginia’s expertise in nuclear engineering, particle transport and reactor physics modeling, data science, and AI including physics-based AI for scientific computing and advanced cybersecurity.
“Virginia is seizing a generational opportunity to lead in advanced nuclear and clean energy innovation,” said Glenn Davis, Director of the Virginia Department of Energy. “By investing in this Natrium simulator, we are accelerating workforce development, strengthening our energy security, and ensuring the Commonwealth is at the forefront of the technologies that will power America’s future.”
“The Natrium simulator will be a powerful bridge between Virginia’s classrooms, research labs, and high-demand energy jobs,” said Julianne Szyper, Deputy Director of the Virginia Department of Energy. “This partnership connects communities across the Commonwealth—from Hampton Roads to Northern Virginia and Blacksburg—and positions Virginia as a premier destination for advanced nuclear talent and investment.”
“TerraPower is thrilled to work with Virginia Tech and the Secure Energy Future Center at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center on the launch of an Integrated Advanced Nuclear and Energy Storage Hub,” said Jeff Miller, Vice President of Business Development at TerraPower. “Our Natrium simulator will enhance grid modeling and energy integration capabilities in the Commonwealth, as well as advance the region’s understanding of the technical capabilities of our innovative, advanced nuclear reactor plus built-in energy storage design.”
The simulator will support community college pathways, undergraduate and graduate curricula, K–12 STEM programs, and military-to-civilian transition programs, helping build a highly skilled nuclear workforce.
“The Natrium control room simulator will provide robust resources to Virginia Tech as a top-tier research university with a nuclear engineering program ready to meet this important moment,” said Dr. Alireza Haghighat, Professor and Director of the Nuclear Engineering Program at Virginia Tech. “Virginia Tech is uniquely positioned to leverage its capability to deliver hands-on experiential learning while advancing next-generation nuclear research. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to meeting industry needs, accelerating innovation, and preparing the nuclear workforce of the future. Through this collaboration, our students, faculty, and partners gain unprecedented access to cutting-edge nuclear technologies, immersive digital environments, and new pathways into high-wage, high-impact careers.”
The Natrium control room simulator will provide a powerful platform for collaboration with industry partners, including ITA International, which has already committed to advancing opportunities for students and partners interested in advancing nuclear engineering training and research.
“ITA is proud to participate in this first advanced nuclear simulator at Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center. This will play a critical role in developing a highly trained nuclear workforce with the experience and data-driven sensibilities that are essential to advancing the future of clean, reliable nuclear energy. This opportunity perfectly aligns with ITA’s mission to incorporate cutting-edge engineering techniques, including the latest developments in computational engineering, digital twins, and advanced simulations to provide robust solutions that are scalable, resilient, and adaptable to future challenges,” said Mike Melo, CEO of ITA International.
Through support for innovative initiatives like the Integrated Advanced Nuclear and Energy Storage Hub, the VCEIB accelerates the deployment of clean power generation and energy infrastructure across the Commonwealth with loans and other financing options. By mobilizing public and private capital to address critical financing gaps in the clean power and energy generation sectors, the VCEIB supports the goals outlined in Virginia’s All-American, All-of-the-Above Energy Plan. Information about additional funding opportunities through the VCEIB is available online.
