ABOUT THE TALK

The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI) conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public. An independent, nonprofit organization, we bring together scientists and engineers as well as experts from academia and the industry to help address challenges in electricity.

EPRI’s research spans four primary sectors of the electricity industry: Environment, Generation, Power Delivery & Utilization, and Nuclear. In the Nuclear sector, the Advanced Nuclear Technology (ANT) program focuses on research projects that support the near-term deployment of advanced light water reactors and Generation IV reactor technologies. The ANT Program is a scientific research program for those around the world and at various stages of new nuclear plant development and deployment, concentrating on the economic, technical, regulatory, and social issues that could affect the ability to license, construct, start-up, and operate advanced light water reactors. Through EPRI’s collaborative R&D model, the ANT program leads these various projects for the industry and proactively addresses and evaluates issues regarding near-term deployment of these technologies.

The presentation will provide an overview of EPRI, the four R&D Sectors in the institute, a detailed overview of the Nuclear Sector, and more information about the ANT program, specifically:

• The program goals and mission
• Technical focus areas
• The program’s Advanced Reactor sub-program
• Overviews of specific research projects
• Our members, and who we interact with in the industry
• Long-term research plans

Audience members will have a chance to ask questions and to learn more about EPRI and our nuclear program research activities.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Matthew O’Connor is a Senior Project Manager in the Advanced Nuclear Technology (ANT) program at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).

Matt’s current areas of research include management of materials, water chemistry, instrumentation and controls, and new technology projects focused on supporting the near-term deployment of new nuclear power plants worldwide. Matt is also focused on member engagement and business development activities, including growing the international membership of the ANT program.

Matt joined EPRI in 2010 as a project manager in the Boiling Water Reactor Vessel Internals Project (BWRVIP). Prior to joining EPRI, he worked at AREVA NP as a project manager in business development and engineering services. Prior to this, he worked at General Electric Company’s Nuclear Division. While at GE, he held various engineering and project management positions in structural analysis, materials engineering, and engineering services.

Matt received a BS in mechanical engineering and an MS in engineering management, both from Santa Clara University, and has completed coursework in business administration at UC Berkeley. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) through PMI.