The future of nuclear energy will see the emergence of next-generation power plants, commonly referred to as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Reactors (ARs). It’s projected that hundreds of these SMR/AR systems will be needed by the late 2030s, but a critical gap exists in providing proven applied advanced manufacturing technologies in this emerging field. Concurrent Technologies Corporation will operate the new Center for Advanced Nuclear Manufacturing (CANM) to solve first-of-a-kind issues, conduct design for manufacturing analysis, and prototype new component designs.
A fundamentally different approach will be needed for the SMR/AR systems compared to the current Light Water Reactor systems. The newer reactors are relatively compact and capable of generating up to 600 MW of power. They can be “factory produced” and transported in a few sections to a designated location for assembly. In addition, these reactors employ passive safety technologies that make them safer to operate.
This novel manufacturing approach will challenge both nuclear suppliers and regulators. Numerous technical issues must be considered to facilitate efficient SMR/AR production, from addressing supply chain capabilities to developing mechanized/automated manufacturing processes to support higher demand volumes. These challenges led the U.S. Nuclear Infrastructure Council’s (NIC) Manufacturing and Supply Chain Working Group and NIC member companies to establish a concept for the CANM.
“The NIC Working Group along with motivated NIC member companies conducted an extensive review regarding the best options with the right capabilities to operate the CANM. Concurrent Technologies Corporation emerged as the consensus choice based on its 30-year history and its track record in advanced manufacturing, large infrastructure/highbay space, equipment, testing facilities, and subject matter experts with experience in key technologies including additive manufacturing, casting, cybersecurity for manufacturing, and more,” said Vince Gilbert, Senior Fellow, NIC.
Overall, CANM will support the U.S. nuclear industry’s need to reduce acquisition and total ownership costs by developing and transitioning innovative manufacturing solutions.
“We are honored to meet this demand to launch and operate the CANM and look forward to continued collaboration with NIC’s working group, NIC member companies, academia, and other organizations,” said Edward J. Sheehan, Jr., Concurrent Technologies Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to working with manufacturing companies and suppliers interested in supporting nuclear facilities and upcoming nuclear construction projects.”
Two Events to Signal Commencement of CANM Activities
To officially launch CANM’s operations, two events will be held for manufacturing companies and suppliers interested in supporting nuclear facilities and upcoming nuclear construction projects, as well as business and community leaders.
- A USNIC Ready4Nuclear Nuclear Suppliers Workshop will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sessions will be conducted by key speakers representing various components of the nuclear industry geared toward strengthening the nation’s advanced nuclear manufacturing network.
- The CANM Open House will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2017, at Concurrent Technologies Corporation in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. This event will feature a ribbon cutting, tours, and an opportunity for suppliers to meet one-on-one with CTC/CANM personnel to learn how to become part of the advanced manufacturing network.
Registration for both events can be completed online: http://conta.cc/2teWA3p.
The United States Nuclear Infrastructure Council is the leading U.S. business consortium advocate for nuclear energy and promotion of the American supply chain globally. Composed of nearly 100 companies, USNIC represents the "Who's Who" of the nuclear supply chain community, including key utility movers, technology developers, construction engineers, manufacturers, and service providers. www.usnic.org
Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) is an independent, nonprofit, applied scientific research and development professional services organization. Together with our affiliates, Enterprise Ventures Corporation and CTC Foundation, we leverage research, development, test and evaluation work to provide transformative, full lifecycle solutions. To best serve our clients’ needs, we offer the complete ability to fully design, develop, test, prototype and build. We support our clients’ core mission objectives with customized solutions and strive to exceed expectations. www.ctc.com.
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/47477c9a-70a4-4392-8a99-717f9e58f038
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/45fbdaf0-6351-41b4-abee-74a4f964fd81