The Nuclear Power Institute (NPI) at Texas A&M University, along with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is hosting a three-week Nuclear Energy Management School (NEMS) for young professionals working in nuclear energy and related fields. NPI is a center housed within the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES).
The NEMS, which runs through April 5, includes participants from 11 countries from Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. The school features lecturers from the United States Government, U.S. industry, the IAEA and other international experts in nuclear related fields.
"We are delighted to be able to host the Nuclear Management School, which is the first time it has been held in the Western Hemisphere," Said Dr. Kenneth L. Peddicord, director of NPI. "This is an excellent collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria.
"This activity is having a significant impact, especially for ’newcomer’ countries that are considering the use of nuclear energy for the first time. This school is important in highlighting the strategies to use nuclear power in a safe and effective way. We are pleased to be able to share our experiences here in the U.S. and in Texas."
The purpose of the NEMS is to provide a unique international educational experience aimed at building future leadership to manage and support nuclear energy programs and projects in the nuclear energy field.
It targets professionals with managerial potential who show promise as future leaders in the nuclear industry, academia, government agencies and public sector entities in the country. Participants will be able to share and transfer knowledge from internationally recognized experts in a wide range of activities critical to a sustainable nuclear energy program.
The NEMS consists of a series of keynote presentations and discussions on topics relevant to managing nuclear energy programs, case studies, practical sessions, group projects and visits to nuclear facilities.
Subject matter that will be covered includes:
- World energy balance and geopolitics
- Energy planning, energy economics and nuclear power economics and finance
- Nuclear industry from planning to decommissioning
- Nuclear safety and security
- Nuclear law, international conventions and relevant mechanisms
- Nuclear nonproliferation regime, safeguards and related international arrangements
- Human resources development and knowledge management
- Leadership and management in the nuclear industry
- Networking and stakeholders
- Outreach to communities, schools and students.
Participants will also have the opportunity to travel to Atlanta to meet with representatives of the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO). They will also visit the nuclear power plant construction site of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 in Waynesboro, Georgia.