Nuclear Matters was in Boston last week for an event in the national Nuclear Going Forward series, co-hosted with Bloomberg. The conversation focused on the many benefits nuclear energy plants bring to Massachusetts and New England, as well as the challenges to their continued operation.

NM/BNA kicked-off the event with a keynote presentation from John Kotek, head of the Energy Department’s Office of Nuclear Energy. The audience of nearly 100 individuals heard about the Obama Administration’s efforts on nuclear energy, including its work to ensure full funding for nuclear programs and pursuing university partnerships for accelerated R&D.

John F. Kotek, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Nuclear Energy, Department of Energy in conversation with Chris Gadomski, Head of Research, Nuclear, Bloomberg New Energy Finance

Kotek’s session was followed by two expert panels of industry leaders and policymakers. The first session focused on both the benefits of and obstacles facing existing nuclear plants in New England.

Speakers: Former Senator Judd Gregg, Co-Chair, Nuclear Matters; William Mohl, President, Entergy Wholesale Commodities; Daniel Weekley, VP, Corporate Affairs, Dominion Resources; Chris Gadomski, Head of Research, Nuclear, Bloomberg New Energy Finance (moderator)

A second panel focused on innovation for competitiveness and increased power output. Session panelists – from organizations on the forefront of nuclear technology – explained how these developments would enhance the existing fleet’s operation.

Speakers: Dr. Charles Forsberg, Executive Director, MIT Nuclear Fuel Cycle Project; Seth Grae, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lightbridge; Simon Irish, Chief Executive, Director, Terrestrial Energy, Inc.; Jay Surina, Chief Financial Officer, NuScale; Chris Gadomski, Head of Research, Nuclear, Bloomberg New Energy Finance (moderator)

Stay up to date on the Nuclear Going Forward series at Nuclear-Going-Forward.bna.com and check out the Nuclear Matters blog for more recent campaign activity.

Note to Readers: if for any reason the video links don’t work, click on the link Nuclear Going Forward link above.

# # #