BRIGHAM CITY, Utah — Hi Tech Solutions, Utah State University and Brigham City announced a new memorandum of understanding to evaluate and advance planning for a proposed Center for Energy Research & Technology Campus (CERT) at USU Brigham City.
Located adjacent to the USU Brigham City campus, the proposed CERT Campus is envisioned as a technical training, certification, and research and development center focused on nuclear energy, advanced energy systems, defense-related technologies, and associated supply chains. The initiative would bring together higher education, industry expertise, and local government to prepare skilled workers for careers in one of the nation’s most strategically important sectors while strengthening Utah’s role in energy, national security, and advanced manufacturing.
Initial Planning & Development
The initial phase is expected to include an estimated 20,000 square-foot facility, with construction anticipated to begin by 2028, pending funding and final approvals. Initial construction is expected to be staged up to $100 million. Utah State University is participating through a favorable land arrangement, with additional financial commitments and partnerships to be explored as planning advances.
“Utah is leading the way in building an energy future that is reliable, affordable and secure,” said Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams. “Meeting America’s growing energy demands and competing on the world stage will require bold investments in innovation, infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce. 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.”
“Building a skilled workforce is about more than meeting today’s needs, it’s about creating opportunities for our kids and grandkids to build a good life in Utah,” said Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz. “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. 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.”
“Utah’s future for reliable energy depends on building the workforce and technical capabilities to support it,” said Chris Hayter, Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer of Hi Tech Solutions. “The CERT Campus would expand hands-on training, certification, and applied research in nuclear operations, maintenance, safety, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. 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.”
The CERT Campus
The proposed CERT Campus would create workforce pathways for students, skilled trades, and transitioning military service members through credentialing, apprenticeships, technical training, and applied learning in nuclear operations, engineering support, safety, maintenance, advanced manufacturing, fuel handling, commercial nuclear services, and related careers.
The facility is expected to employ approximately 20 full-time employees by 2029, with employment growing as the campus expands. It is also expected to bring hundreds of nuclear professionals to Brigham City each year for training, continuing education, research, and industry collaboration, generating ongoing activity for local hotels, restaurants, businesses, and Northern Utah’s defense and aerospace corridor.
“This partnership reflects Utah State’s land-grant mission and our responsibility to help meet the evolving needs of our state,” said President Brad Mortensen of Utah State University. “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.”
As planning advances, the parties will evaluate curriculum and certification programs, applied research opportunities, workforce demand, campus design, industry partnerships, and funding sources. The MOU also anticipates coordination with regional employers, nuclear industry partners, national laboratories, defense-related institutions, private-sector participants, and state and federal stakeholders.
The campus is expected to follow a phased process with multiple facilities serving different objectives. Campus operations are expected to vary by facility and function. Hi Tech Solutions and its affiliated partners would operate commercial-facing portions, while Utah State University would participate in research, testing, training, and academic programming. Some shared facilities are expected to be revenue-generating and jointly operated, while others may be operated primarily by USU.
Brigham City would support site planning, infrastructure coordination, local permitting, and related regional economic development opportunities.
The CERT concept is designed to address a critical workforce need in the nuclear energy and advanced technology sectors. As demand grows for reliable baseload power, advanced nuclear deployment, defense-aligned energy systems, fuel-cycle support, and resilient infrastructure, a trained and certified workforce will be essential to Utah’s long-term energy and economic goals.
The CERT Campus would support Hi Tech Solutions and Fulcrum Point Holding’s Green River and Brigham City projects by helping build the workforce and industry capacity needed to advance Utah’s growing nuclear energy ecosystem. It would also enhance collaboration with other advanced energy partners like Rodatherm Energy Corporation.
About Utah State University Brigham City
Utah State University is Utah’s land-grant and space-grant university with a mission of learning, discovery, and engagement. With 30 education locations and 38 Extension sites throughout the state, USU provides access to higher education for Utahns wherever they live, research and expertise on critical issues affecting the state, and outreach to improve Utah communities and families in all 29 counties. As a Carnegie R1 research institution, USU is home to over 50 world-class research facilities and boasts the second-oldest undergraduate research program in the nation. Learn more about Utah State University.
About Hi Tech Solutions
Hi Tech Solutions (HTS) is advancing Utah’s nuclear energy renaissance. HTS draws on experience servicing more than 80% of America’s nuclear reactor fleet to design the next generation of energy solutions. Building on its acquisitions of Reactor Services Inc. and Nuclear Repair Services, HTS delivers integrated capabilities in engineering, precision manufacturing, and field services. In partnership with industry leaders, HTS provides reliable baseload power that strengthens national security, and drives innovation. Learn more about Hi Tech Solutions.
About Fulcrum Point Holdings
Fulcrum Point Holdings is an energy infrastructure development company headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. The leadership team of Fulcrum Point Holdings understands nuclear, having strong ties to Hi Tech Solutions including shared ownership interests. The company develops, finances, and operates energy generation assets with a focus on power projects in the Mountain West. Fulcrum Point was founded by professionals with decades of combined experience in nuclear plant operations, federal nuclear programs, energy project development, and infrastructure finance. Learn more about Fulcrum Point Holdings.