New nuclear research and training hub may come to Brigham City

A new nuclear research and training campus may be coming to Brigham City as the state advances its effort to build out an “energy ecosystem” in northern Utah. 

Hi Tech Solutions, a nuclear power and energy services company that’s sponsoring a nuclear campus in Brigham City, signed a memorandum of understanding with the municipality and Utah State University to evaluate and plan a proposal for a “Center for Energy Research and Technology Campus,” or CERT, the company announced Monday. 

The proposed center would be located adjacent to the Utah State University Brigham City campus, according to a news release, and it is anticipated to offer “technical training, certification, and research and development center focused on nuclear energy, advanced energy systems, defense-related technologies, and associated supply chains.”

“This partnership brings industry, education and local leaders together to give Utahns the hands-on training and skills they need for good-paying careers in a growing field,” Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, said in a statement. “It’s exactly the kind of collaboration that turns opportunity into a stronger workforce and a stronger economy, and we’re excited to see what this can mean for Northern Utah and the entire state.”

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The first phase of the development, which is planned to start construction by 2028, is expected to include an about 20,000-square-foot facility, pending funding and permit approvals, according to the release. 

By 2029, the facility is planning to employ approximately 20 full-time employees. But that number is expected to grow as the campus expands, the release says.

Initial construction may have a $100 million price tag. And the university “is participating through a favorable land arrangement, with additional financial commitments and partnerships to be explored as planning advances,” the release says.  

The project comes as Utah Republican leaders have been betting on nuclear development in the state, in line with the Trump administration’s ambitions to propel the technology. The state has signed agreements to support other nuclear operations and research and has even made the shortlist to host a “nuclear lifecycle innovation campus” after campaigning hard for one in response to a call for proposals from the Department of Energy. 

The state’s nuclear-positive position, specifically a taxpayer-funded ad campaign promoting nuclear energy development, has faced opposition from health advocates and downwinders.

“Meeting America’s growing energy demands and competing on the world stage will require bold investments in innovation, infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce,” Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, said in the release. “By bringing together higher education, industry and local communities, Utah can strengthen our national security, advance American energy independence and create high-paying opportunities for Utahns for generations to come.”

The university’s role in the partnership would include participating in research, testing, training and academic programming, while Hi Tech Solutions and other affiliates would operate “commercial-facing portions” of the planned multiple facilities making up the campus.

And Brigham City is committing to supporting site planning, infrastructure coordination, local permitting and regional economic development projects.

“The CERT Campus would expand hands-on training, certification, and applied research in nuclear operations, maintenance, safety, engineering, and advanced manufacturing,” Chris Hayter, co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of Hi Tech Solutions said in the release. “We are proud to bring together industry, higher education, and local government to strengthen Utah’s energy capabilities, increase economic growth, and help power America’s nuclear renaissance.”

Ultimately, the hope for the new campus is to create educational, and credentialing opportunities in nuclear operations engineering support, safety, maintenance, advanced manufacturing, fuel handling, commercial nuclear services, among others, for students, skilled technicians and transitioning military service members.  

“This partnership reflects Utah State’s land-grant mission and our responsibility to help meet the evolving needs of our state,” Brad Mortensen, Utah State University president said in a statement. “Working alongside Brigham City and Hi Tech Solutions, we have an opportunity to explore new approaches to technical training and research that prepare students for high-demand careers, support economic growth, and strengthen Utah’s leadership in energy and national defense.”