Over 20,000sqft of the 65,000sqft facility is dedicated to public use including 6,000sqft of exhibit space. One of the EERC’s main exhibits is a mock containment structure where visitors can learn about nuclear power generation and explore issues like plant safety, security and used fuel management.
The EERC also is powered in part by solar panels and a wind turbine. A real-time data monitoring system gathers and displays information about weather conditions and energy output to demonstrate the practical use of these technologies.
Ralph Izzo, CEO of PSEG, said: ”The EERC reinforces PSEG’s belief that it takes a multi-faceted approach to combat climate change.The exhibits highlight the importance of clean baseload power like nuclear as well as the role of renewables and energy efficiency. It is our hope that visitors learn more about these important issues and how we all play an important role in protecting our environment.”
The PSEG and Salem Community College (SCC) partnership is one of six pilot training programs being developed by the Nuclear Energy Institute. The community college program, along with an energy academy program for high school students at Salem County Vocational Technical Schools, allows PSEG to meet its future hiring needs while also meeting the needs of the community to provide jobs.
Senator Tom Carper, chairman of the Senate Clean Air and Nuclear Safety subcommittee, said: ”I commend PSEG for opening an Energy and Environment Resource Center that not only educates us about the complexities of climate change, but also shows us the many energy solutions – such as nuclear power and offshore wind – this country has available to help meet a clean energy future.”
