Columbia, S.C. - University of South Carolina (USC)’s Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing and Palmetto Nuclear Coalition (PNC) announce a pivotal agreement aimed at transforming South Carolina into a national and global leader in nuclear innovation. This initiative brings together academic excellence and private-sector leadership to build technology and a robust workforce pipeline to drive long-term economic growth and competitiveness in nuclear energy.
“This initiative is a game-changer for our state. By combining our academic strength with Palmetto Nuclear Coalition’s industry insight and policy leadership, we’re positioning South Carolina on a national stage for competitive workforce development and nuclear innovation,” said Dr. Hossein Haj-Hariri, Dean of the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing.
“This collaboration marks a pivotal step forward for South Carolina,” said Dr. Travis Knight, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing. “By uniting the research excellence of our institutions with the strategic vision of the Palmetto Nuclear Coalition, we’re laying groundwork for national leadership in nuclear innovation and building a workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”
“South Carolina needs to be at the forefront as our nation undergoes a nuclear energy resurgence," said Ethel Bunch, founder of Palmetto Nuclear Coalition. “With USC’s nationally recognized Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing and South Carolina’s unmatched assets, from the VC Summer site and Savannah River National Laboratory to Westinghouse’s Fuel Fabrication Facility, we are uniquely positioned as a catalyst for America’s energy dominance, national security, and global competitiveness.”
Through this agreement, PNC and USC’s College of Engineering and Computing will co-host the 2nd Annual Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing Nuclear Summit on November 17, 2025 to convene business, government and academic leadership at the state and national level. In addition, PNC will support the development of a Nuclear Innovation Center that will be created as a premier hub for research, innovation and workforce development at USC’s planned Engineering District.
“I can’t think of a more exciting opportunity for South Carolina,” said Alex Molinaroli, whom the College is named for and is a member of the PNC Executive Leadership Council. “The state has the workforce, infrastructure, and resources to lead the nation in nuclear energy. By building on our legacy of innovation, we can ensure reliable, and sustainable power for generations to come while strengthening our economy and securing America’s energy future.”
Overall, this initiative aligns private-sector demand with academic expertise, attracting investments to establish South Carolina as a national hub for nuclear innovation.
About Palmetto Nuclear Coalition
Palmetto Nuclear Coalition (PNC) is a public-private partnership formed to advance nuclear energy innovation, deployment, and policy in South Carolina. With leadership from the private sector and strong alignment with policymakers, PNC aims to establish South Carolina as a global leader in nuclear energy production, innovation, and commercialization.
About the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing
The engineering school is ranked 21st in the country for nuclear engineering, 49th in public university engineering schools, and 81st overall for graduate engineering programs by the U.S. News & World Report.