Nuclear facility plant tours are an invaluable tool for educating the community and raising awareness with key stakeholders about nuclear energy. The nuclear industry can be confusing to industry outsiders, and those with concerns about nuclear energy often lack correct information. Nuclear plant tours help demystify nuclear power and build confidence in plant safety and security while enhancing community relationships.
Due to the unique nature of nuclear facilities, tours can only be offered on a limited basis since the safe and secure operation of nuclear sites is always the top priority. Nuclear companies or operators that provide plant tours have comprehensive and strategic plant tour programs. Programs include guidelines on providing tours for targeted partners and stakeholders such as elected officials, community leaders, educators, students and other audiences with a business need. Each nuclear site is different, so plant tour guidelines will vary.
Plant tours provide visitors with an up-close look at plant operations, the layers of defense, the technology and a site’s highly skilled team of professionals. Visitors are impressed by the armed officers, razor-wire fencing, security cameras and a rigorous entry process. Guests also recognize how safe and clean a nuclear site is while gaining an appreciation for what it takes to provide affordable and reliable power 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For college students, tours are a way to learn about career opportunities; especially students with an interest in the STEM-related fields.
Nuclear professionals who conduct plant tours attest to their value. A member of the Duke Energy team commented, “I love taking people to the control room and having the shift manager talk about his or her day, the training required to run the plant and the overall commitment to ensuring the plant operates safely. People definitely leave with a greater understanding of how the plant works and, more importantly, how we ensure the public and environment are kept safe.”
Another Duke Energy nuclear teammate explained, “Before working here, I never grasped what it really meant to have a nuclear station in my backyard until I took a tour. I was in awe of the scale of a nuclear operation and its impact to the region.”
Tours are also an important part of educating guests on key nuclear topics such as safety, radiation and used nuclear fuel. While visiting the used fuel dry storage area during a tour, one guest was amazed at how little space the used fuel occupied. “That’s it?” he asked in amazement and noted the area illustrated how nuclear energy is a sustainable fuel source due to its small environmental footprint.
Nuclear facility plant tours are an important part of creating greater understanding and appreciation for the nuclear industry. When carefully planned and well-managed, plant tours can be a key part of a successful outreach strategy and develop a team of informed ambassadors.