Rising electricity prices, increasing concerns about grid reliability, and achieving carbon-free electricity in the U.S. by 2035 have refocused attention on the role of nuclear in the energy transition. This comes after a decade of low investments, accumulating nuclear waste, an aging fleet of reactors, public opposition, and regulatory mandates that stalled nuclear’s growth and led to declines in production. Meanwhile, the nuclear industry has maintained its safety record, made remarkable progress in fusion and advanced nuclear reactors, and improved operating safety and efficiency.

The first topic of the 2022-2023 Energy Symposium Series, The Future of Nuclear in the Energy Transition, will address if and how headways in advanced nuclear reactors, fusion, and waste management can overcome the challenges of economic feasibility, efficient and safe waste disposal, and build public and regulatory support for the increased deployment of nuclear energy in the U.S.

In conjunction with our symposium students -- regardless of classification or course load -- are encouraged to participate in UH Energy's Critical Issues in Energy Writing Competition. Contestants will be asked to explore the question "What do you think is the role of nuclear in the energy transition?" using the contest guidelines below.

Requirements

Submission Guidelines

Entries submitted for the UH Energy Critical Issues in Energy Writing Competition must:

• Be the original work of the student.
• Must cite any references that are used to supplement the student’s creative work (if any).
• Must not be published elsewhere.

A submission will be disqualified if it does not follow the submission guidelines, including the formatting guidelines stated below:

• A PDF submission with 12-point font.
• 1” margins.
• Single spaced.

Other requirements MUST include:

• A submission title.
• PeopleSoft ID of the author at the top right.

MUST NOT include:

• Include the author’s name anywhere on the submission PDF.
• Exceed 5 pages in length.

Eligibility

Open to all undergraduate and graduate students, full or part-time, at the University of Houston Main Campus. One entry per student.

Prize

One winning entry will receive a cash award of $2,500.

Judging Process

The submissions will be read and judged by a panel of faculty members from the University of Houston. The winning entry will be determined based on the following rubric:

Originality, Organization, and Effectiveness of Ideas and Content: 35 Points

• Ideas are relevant to the prompt and fully fleshed out.
• Ideas are original, imaginative, and reflect critical thinking.
• The organization is effective and relevant to the prompt.
• The content is communicated creatively and is relevant to the prompt.

Style and Voice: 25 Points

• The style of writing is effective and includes descriptive details.
• Writing reflects uniqueness and critical thinking.
• Consistent use of chosen voice.

Format, Eloquence, and Quality of Word Choice: 25 Points

• Word choice is creative, conscious, appropriate for the chosen format, and relevant to the prompt.
• Writing reads well and flows smoothly.
• Writing is not flat, varied, and relevant to the prompt.
• Word choice is appropriate and effective for the chosen format and style.

Conventions: 15 Points

• Correct grammar and spelling.
• Correct use of punctuation.
• Correct and formal presentation of writing.