About
The Post-Industrial Midwest and Appalachia (PIMA) Nuclear Alliance
The PIMA Nuclear Alliance is an initiative at Penn State that aspires to innovate and accelerate adoption of microreactor (aka nuclear batteries) and advanced nuclear reactor technology across the Post-Industrial Midwest and Appalachia (PIMA) region to impact difficult to decarbonize industrial sectors at scale. The focus of this alliance is to support energy transition with a holistic approach that brings the convergence of high-value manufacturing, advanced computing, digital innovation, societal engagement, and science and technology policy, as one of the central themes of this effort. The long-term vision is to establish a microreactor “tera-factory” tech corridor in the PIMA region.
The PIMA Nuclear Alliance is bringing together multiple partners, for example Westinghouse and their e-Vinci reactor, with the goal of establishing a nuclear battery RD&D platform at our Penn State campus enabling innovation in multiple technological thrusts. Such as manufacturing, power conversion, industrial heat generation, addressing critical regional decarbonization gaps in critical mineral extraction, carbon-based materials, steel/concrete manufacturing, food processing, and more.
The alliance supports developers and end users and consists of a consortium of university and national laboratory partners that in addition to technical expertise, provide access to a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Penn State with its 24 commonwealth campuses throughout Pennsylvania serves as an important demonstration hub for advanced nuclear technology supporting research, development, deployment, and community economic development.
If you are a researcher, developer, end user, community innovator, or other stakeholder interested in joining this effort, please fill out the contact form below.
