Intern Explores Feasibility of Nuclear Microreactors in Alaska

Jordan Barde recently completed his junior year at Seattle Pacific University in the mechanical engineering program. This summer he is working with Copper Valley Electric Association, which serves Valdez, Glennallen and the surrounding areas in Alaska.

CVEA’s goal is to provide affordable, safe and reliable power to its membership while striving to reduce their reliance on fossil fuel generation.

To support that vision, Barde is researching the possibility of integrating nuclear microreactors into CVEA’s grid. Barde will develop electrical and thermal energy requirements for population centers and industrial sites throughout the CVEA service territory. He will then do some “best value” analysis for implementation of the microreactors. He will interact with nuclear energy experts at the U.S. Department of Energy to gather insights on current technology trends and key installation/operation considerations. Microreactors are not commercially available in the United States, so Jordan’s research will be a springboard for further investigation into nuclear power.

Barde’s internship is funded through the ARCTIC Program, an initiative by the Office of Naval Research. For more information on this project, please contact George Roe. For more information on the ACEP Utility Student Internship Program, visit http://ausi.alaska.edu.

 

Jordan Barde is an ACEP student intern this year. Photo courtesy of Jordan Barde.