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Developing a Nuclear Energy Ecosystem in Kentucky

October 9th, 2023 - 2:00 PM EST

University of Kentucky, Whitehall Classroom Bldg., CB 122

Speaker: Rodney Andrews, PhD, PE, Senior Associate Vice President for Research at University of Kentucky and Director of UK Center for Applied Energy Research

Seminar: Organized jointly with regional IEEE organizations

Abstract: A nuclear energy ecosystem extends beyond power production to include new reactor technologies, fuel supply, waste processing, and manufacturing of reactor components. Within such an ecosystem, Kentucky is well placed to play a significant role. During the 2023 Kentucky legislative session, Senate Joint Resolution 79 established a Nuclear Development Work Group to determine opportunities and impediments to development of nuclear power and related industry in Kentucky. This talk will provide a basic primer on nuclear power systems and the status of nuclear power in the United States. It will also discuss advanced Gen IV reactor systems, small modular reactors under development, and the growing challenges in fuel supply.  Finally, the talk will cover activities of the Work Group and the near- and long-term opportunities identified for Kentucky.

Bio: Rodney Andrews is Director of the Center for Applied Energy Research and Senior Associate Vice President for Research at the University of Kentucky.  He is a Professor of Chemical Engineering. Dr. Andrews has been Director of UK CAER since 2007. His research interests include conversion processes for coal and biomass, carbon fiber and composites, activated carbon materials, and synthesis and application of carbon nanomaterials. Dr. Andrews has directed major multi-university and industry-academic collaborative projects. He is Chair of the Executive Council of the American Carbon Society and served as the society’s 2011 Graffin Lecturer. He was appointed to the National Coal Council in 2014 and served on the Science Advisory Board of the US Environmental Protection Agency from 2018-2021.  Dr. Andrews is Program Director of Kentucky NSF EPSCoR, a statewide initiative to increase research infrastructure within the Commonwealth. Dr. Andrews received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Michigan State University and his PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Kentucky. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Kentucky.


Time: Oct. 9, 2023, 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Location: University of Kentucky, Whitehall Classroom Bldg., Room CB 122