SALEM, NJ-- PSEG hosted the grand opening of its new Energy and Environmental Resource Center (EERC) featuring hands on, interactive exhibits designed to promote conversations about energy, the environment and solutions for meeting the challenges of climate change.
Over 20,000 sf of the 65,000-sf facility is dedicated to public use, including 6,000 sf of exhibit space. The EERC's exhibits explore the impact of technology, lifestyle, and public policy on energy consumption and the environment and challenge visitors to consider their own energy use and carbon footprint.
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. In addition, the EERC includes a multi-purpose room, high-tech classroom space and a lab for use by school groups, teachers and others.
"PSEG continues to be forward-thinking in its approach and community-focused in its efforts. The EERC will provide residents with a place to search out answers about how to effectively utilize alternative energies and the facts about the benefits of nuclear, solar and wind energy," said U.S. Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02).
The EERC is certified for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and also houses several PSEG programs and offices as well as Salem Community College's (SCC) Nuclear Energy Technology Associates Degree Program.
Through its partnership with the college, PSEG is providing space at the EERC for the energy specific courses and labs, subject matter expertise, scholarships for the first two years and paid internships at PSEG Nuclear's Salem and Hope Creek Generating Stations. In addition, SCC was awarded a $1.7 million federal grant through the U.S. Department of Labor last year to assist in the development of the program.
The PSEG and 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 quality, high-paying jobs.
Public Service Enterprise Group
