PSEG is a publicly traded energy and energy services company, headquartered in New Jersey.
Over 20,000 square feet of the 65,000 square feet facility is dedicated to public use, including 6,000 square feet 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 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.
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 US Department of Labor in 2009 to assist in the development of the program.
PSEG CEO Ralph Izzo says, “The EERC reinforces PSEG’s belief that it takes a multi-faceted approach to combat climate change. The exhibits highlight the importance of clean base-load power like nuclear as well as the role of renewables and energy efficiency.”
