Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit: A Day of Insights and Collaboration

June 26, 2024

Welcome to our recap of the 2nd Annual Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit in Washington, D.C.! Today, we witnessed groundbreaking discussions as industry pioneers, key policymakers, and leading experts converged to shape the future of nuclear energy. From crucial policy discussions to learning about new advancements, this summit offered unparalleled insights and networking opportunities for those in the energy field.

The conference opened with a keynote address by U.S. Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-3), Chairman of the Energy and Water Subcommittee of Appropriations. Rep. Fleischmann's speech set the tone for the event, emphasizing the crucial role of nuclear energy and highlighting the importance of collaboration between government and the private sector to advance nuclear energy globally.

Caption: Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN) and Brian McCormack (UCAN Power)

In the first panel, titled "Mega Trends in Nuclear Energy," experts from Idaho National Laboratory, the Department of Energy, LeoLabs and UCAN Power discussed the global deployment of nuclear energy and its connections to geopolitics and energy security.

Caption: Dominique Cooper (Leo Labs), Jess Gehin, Ph.D. (INL), Michael Smith (OUSD), and Lucian Niemeyer (UCAN Power)

Our "State of the States in Nuclear Energy" panel provided valuable insights into how different states are approaching advanced nuclear deployment, with representatives from various state energy departments and offices sharing their experiences and challenges.

Caption: Brian McCormack (UCAN Power), Ethel Bunch (Global2Local), Aaron Thiele (Sen. Murkowski), Jimmy Glotfelty (Public Utility Commission of Texas), Glenn Davis (VA Energy)

The "Competing in Emerging Nuclear Energy Markets" panel offered a global perspective, detailing how the U.S. is positioning itself in international markets and countering competition from China and Russia.

Caption: Ray Alexander (Jacobs), Carl Kress (USTDA), Kirsten Cutler, Ph.D. (Dept. of State), and Carol Berrigan (NEI)

We delved into the regulatory landscape with "Understanding the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Environment," featuring the Honrable Christopher T. Hanson, Chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, who provided updates on the evolving framework for advanced nuclear technologies, as well as the investments his agency, such as AI tools, is making to tackle regulatory challenges.

Caption: Honrable Christopher T. Hanson (NRC), and Jeff Crater (UCAN Power)

Cross-border collaboration was also a key focus with our "North American Nuclear Regulation" panel, where representatives from Ontario Power Generation and the Tennessee Valley Authority discussed their joint efforts in developing and deploying advanced nuclear technology, and the ambitious goal of achieving a carbon-free energy future.

Caption: Nicco Murray (Clear Path), David Tyndall (New Nuclear Technologies), and Greg Boerschig (TVA)

Government leaders across the Department of Defense shared their commitment to energy resilience at our "Energy Resilience in a Contested Environment" panel, where they emphasized key programs aimed at deploying advanced nuclear power reactors for military applications, while aiming to reduce the reliance on commercial power.

Caption: Lucian Niemeyer (UCAN Power), Nancy Balkus (U.S. Air Force), Annie Kammerer, Ph. D. (Army), Michael McGhee (U.S. Navy), Jeff Waksman, Ph.D. (DoD)

Our final panel, "Behind the Meter: Nuclear Energy for Tech and Industrial Applications," explored cutting-edge uses of nuclear energy in high-tech and industrial sectors, broadening our understanding of nuclear energy's potential beyond traditional power generation, emphasizing the potential in high-tech applications, particularly for data centers and AI infrastructure.

Caption: Brian McCormack (UCAN Power), Richard Springman, Ph.D. (Holtec International), Maxim Serezhin (Standard Power), and Ken Urquhart, Ph.D. (Zscaler)

The day came to a close with a networking reception that Standard Power sponsored, giving attendees the chance to mingle and discuss the day's insights.

Thank you to all our speakers, attendees, and sponsors for an incredible first day! We're excited to continue the momentum into day two, featuring a must-see keynote address from U.S. Rep. Mike Waltz. Join us as we delve deeper into groundbreaking nuclear energy innovations and their impact on various industries. See you tomorrow!