Can Nuclear Energy Thrive in a Carbon-Constrained World? – Findings from a new MIT study

Life Members

On Tuesday, November 13th, MIT Professor Jacopo Buongiorno, Associate Department Head of Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT, will present findings from a recent MIT study on nuclear energy sponsored by the IEEE Boston Section Life Members.

With 60 new reactors under construction worldwide, the nuclear industry is currently experiencing moderate growth, mostly concentrated in Asia. A much greater expansion is needed if nuclear is to play a significant role in combating climate change, but there are a number of challenges hindering the further growth of nuclear energy utilization. If these challenges are properly addressed, though, there are major opportunities for nuclear energy to reduce carbon emissions worldwide and conquer new markets.

MIT has recently completed a multi-disciplinary study to assess the prospects for new nuclear technologies, policies, business models, and regulatory governance to accelerate the transition to a lower-carbon global energy system in the U.S. and around the world. Prof. Buongiorno will discuss findings from the MIT study that are focused on (a) cost competitiveness of nuclear in various markets with and without carbon constraints, (b) technology innovations that could substantially reduce the capital cost of new nuclear plants, and (c) regulatory pathways to accelerate the deployment of advanced reactors.

Jacopo Buongiorno is the TEPCO Professor and Associate Department Head of Nuclear Science and Engineering, where he teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses in thermo-fluids engineering and nuclear reactor engineering. Jacopo has published over 80 journal articles in the areas of reactor safety and design, two-phase flow and heat transfer, and nanofluid technology. For his research work and his teaching at MIT he won several awards, including the Ruth and Joel Spira Award (MIT, 2015), and the Landis Young Member Engineering Achievement Award (American Nuclear Society, 2011). He is the Director of the Center for Advanced Nuclear Energy Systems (CANES), which is one of eight Low-Carbon-Energy Centers (LCEC) of the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), as well as the Director of the MIT study on the Future of Nuclear Energy in a Carbon-Constrained World. Jacopo is a consultant for the nuclear industry in the area of reactor thermal-hydraulics and a member of the Accrediting Board of the National Academy of Nuclear Training. He is also a member of the Naval Studies Board (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine), a Fellow of the American Nuclear Society (including service on its Special Committee on Fukushima in 2011-2012), a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and a participant in the Defense Science Study Group (2014-2015).

The meeting will be held at MIT Lincoln Laboratory’s Main Cafeteria, 244 Wood Street., Lexington, MA at 4:00 PM. Refreshments will be available at 3:30 PM. Please use the Wood Street Gate to the Laboratory. Follow signs from outside reception to the Main Cafeteria (elevators are available via reception). For directions go to http://www.ll.mit.edu/.