Save the date - the 2026 Cleanup Workshop will be Monday, September 14 – Wednesday September 16 in Arlington, Virginia. .
Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) is pleased to host the fifth annual ECA Forum in Augusta, GA from April 21 - April 24, 2026. Join the discussion delivering new nuclear projects on private and federal sites across the U.S. Discover the latest news, business opportunities and nuclear energy advancements with industry leaders, data center companies, host communities, DOE, NRC and State and Tribal governments.
AGENDA:
See the full Agenda with speakers by clicking here!
Speaker Snapshot:
Tim Walsh – Assistant Secretary, DOE-EM
Marla Morales - Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, DOE-NE
James McConnell – Associate Principal Deputy Administrator, NNSA
Kristen Ellis – Associate Principal Deputy Under Secretary, DOE-SC
Jack Craig - Senior Vice President, Atkins Realis
John B. Williams - Senior Vice President of Technical Services and External Affairs, Southern Nuclear
Adrienne Schweer – Head of Government Affairs, Oklo
Cristina Paredes – Executive Director, SC Nexus
Rod Baltzer – CEO, Deep Isolation
Nikki Sizemore – Manager, Government Affairs, Kairos
Bob Miklos - Executive Vice President of Program Assurance, Veolia
Matt Griffin – Head of Nuclear & Regulatory Affairs, Antares
Chuck Hope – Councilmember, City of Oak Ridge and ECA Chair
Robbie Bennett – President & CEO, SRSCRO
Jennifer Chandler – Council Member, Village of Piketon
Mckinsey Lyon – VP of External Affairs, Perpetua Resources
Jack Ladyman - Representative (District 32), Arkansas House of Representatives
Shay Lundvall – Mayor, City of Gillette, WY
Kirt Marlow - President, Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium
Chris Stearns – Representative (District 47-Position 2), Washington State Legislature
April Wade – Executive Director, Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium
Sandra Wilson – Mayor Pro Tem, City of Paducah
SCHEDULE:
April 21 | Registration Opens & Plenary Sessions
April 22 | Full Day General Session
April 23 | Half Day General Session
April 24 | Savannah River Site Tour & Vogtle Electric Generating Plant Tour
ECA is hosting its fifth New Nuclear Forum, the only meeting designed to bring together local government and community leaders that host or want to host nuclear facilities with the federal government and industry. Join DOE, federal, state, local and tribal governments and policymakers with developers, utilities, regulators, industry, and academia to develop the plans to implement nuclear projects, identify opportunities, challenges and to build the partnerships necessary to support nuclear development.
If you're looking for insights, networking, and real opportunities to shape the future of nuclear energy and community participation, this is the event to be at. We’ll be discussing new fuels, small modular reactors (SMRs), recycling and more.
The meeting brings in the leading nuclear reactor (including SMRs and micro-reactors), fuel producers, nuclear supply chain companies, U.S. DOE, US NRC, data center developers and others in the nuclear industry to highlight their programs and provide a resource to local community leaders to learn about the projects and meet the companies that are leading this global opportunity.
ECA also includes an opening day course on what is nuclear and what it means to host a nuclear facility led by community leaders and experts that host the facilities and where the projects are being built and planned.
HOTEL INFORMATION:
The 2026 ECA Forum will be held at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center. Attendees can reserve hotel rooms at the hotel at a special rate of $175.00/night.
Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center
2 10th St
Augusta, GA 30901
To reserve your lodging at the group rate, Click Here!
Room block is now full, however, rooms at the Augusta Marriott are still available.
Attendees may also consider booking at the Hyatt House Augusta Downtown, a short 12-minute walk from the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center.
Hyatt House Augusta Downtown
1268 Broad St
Augusta, GA 30901
INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSOR?
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit our sponsorship interest form by clicking here, or contact Autumn Bogus at abogus@la-inc.com.
TOUR
Savannah River Site -
This in-depth tour of the Savannah River Site will include a drive out to K Area Complex, Liquid Waste Mission, and other facilities. You’ll hear updates from Site leadership on the status of the Defense Program Missions - the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility construction and Program and Savannah River Tritium Enterprise. Participants can expect to return to the Augusta Marriott by 3:00pm. Click here to view the Agenda for the Tour!
Vogtle Electric Generating Plant -
Plant Vogtle in Waynesboro, Georgia, features four reactors. With the recent completion of Units 3 & 4, the first new nuclear units to be constructed in the U.S. in the last 30 years, Plant Vogtle is now the largest generator of clean energy in the country. The tour will feature interactive time in and around the Vogtle Energy Education Center (VEEC) in addition to other stops around the facilities. Participants can expect to return to the Augusta Marriott by 2:00pm. This Tour will not be able to take on non-US nationals.
QUESTIONS?
For any questions, comments, or to learn more about the ECA New Nuclear Forum, please contact Laura Hermann, ECA Deputy Executive Director, at lhermann@energyca.org or Andres Ridge, ECA Director of Programs, at ajr@energyca.org.
Don't miss out - click here to register!
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Coming March 5, 2026 from 2:00 - 3:30pm EST
DOE’s recent Request for Information on Nuclear Fuel Cycle Innovation Campuses signals federal interest in accelerating advanced fuel capabilities — potentially including HALEU production, fuel fabrication, recycling, testing infrastructure, and integrated research hubs. Today’s discussion focuses on the central question: How will collaboration among private companies and community leaders strengthen the delivery of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Innovation Campuses? Join the discussion to explore different models and how public-private collaboration can strengthen proposals, reduce risk, and build durable local support. Speakers will include:
John Pfeffer - Supervisor, Town of Ashford
Bill Goodwin - Chief Legal & Strategy Officer, Oklo
Rod Baltzer - CEO, Deep Isolation
Curtis Roberts II - VP of Communications and Press Officer, Orano USA
Please contact AJ Ridge, ECA Program Director, with any questions at ajr@energyca.org.
Coming February 12, 2026 from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST
The siting of new nuclear facilities requires integrated nuclear waste solutions that balance technical, regulatory, and social readiness. This goes beyond just regulatory compliance - it demands trust, transparency, and shared problem-solving among local governments, state agencies, developers, and residents. This webinar will explore how siting efforts can deliver on these environmental management goals while accelerating project timelines, developing local economies, and strengthening community confidence in long-term energy infrastructure decisions. Speakers will include:
Facilitator: Laura Hermann - Deputy Executive Director, ECA
Matt Bowen - Research Scholar, Center on Global Energy Policy
Kara Colton - Director of Nuclear Policy, ECA
David Reeploeg - Vice President of Federal Programs, TRIDEC
Jack Volpato - Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance
Please contact AJ Ridge, ECA Program Director, with any questions at ajr@energyca.org.
Coming January 8, 2026 from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm EST
As data centers and advanced fuel cycle facilities seek reliable, carbon-free power, new opportunities are emerging to co-locate these energy-intensive operations with nuclear generation and spent fuel storage sites. Such integration could strengthen grid resilience, reduce transmission losses, align high-demand digital infrastructure with established nuclear security and safety protocols and diversify economic opportunities for host communities and regions. Yet it also raises complex questions about regulatory frameworks, community acceptance, and long-term stewardship of nuclear materials. This webinar will bring together experts from the energy, technology, and policy sectors to explore how thoughtful colocation strategies can balance innovation, safety, and public trust in the next generation of nuclear infrastructure.
Speakers will include:
Moderator: Jennifer Chandler - Council Member, Village of Piketon
Randy Hemann - City Manager, City of Oak Ridge
David Pointer - Director, Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, ORNL
Michele Sampson - Director, Division of New and Renewed Licenses, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, NRC
Dr. Jenifer Shafer - Associate Director for Technology and Program Director, ARPA-E
Please contact AJ Ridge, ECA Director of Programs, with any questions at ajr@energyca.org.
As artificial intelligence and cloud computing drive exponential growth in electricity demand, data center developers are turning to nuclear energy for reliable, carbon-free power needed to operate continuously. This session explores the concerns local officials must address when co-locating data centers with existing or new nuclear generation. Speakers will discuss regulatory considerations, what makes an “ideal” site, community engagement, and partnership models that align digital infrastructure expansion with public safety and sustainability goals.
Speakers will include:
Moderator: AJ Ridge - Director of Programs, ECA
Iain Macdonald - Principal and Future Energy Systems Development Lead, HKS
Ilissa Miller - CEO and Founder, iMiller Public Relations
David Reeploeg - Executive Director, Hanford Communities
Peter Rodrik - Associate Administrator for Partnership and Acquisition Services, NNSA
Aditi Verma - Assistant Professor, University of Michigan
Please contact AJ Ridge, ECA Director of Programs, with any questions at ajr@energyca.org.
Advanced nuclear projects are moving toward construction, and local governments play a frontline role in ensuring that emergency preparedness and management systems keep pace with development. City and county officials oversee first responders, coordinate public safety communications, and maintain the trust of residents who live and work near project sites. This webinar will highlight how mayors, emergency managers, and developers collaborate to build readiness from day one—through joint planning, drills, and transparent communication. Participants will gain insight into best practices for integrating project-specific safety requirements into local emergency operations and for sustaining preparedness over the full lifecycle of a nuclear facility.
Speakers will include:
Moderator: Laura Hermann - Deputy Executive Director, Energy Communities Alliance
Dr. Erica Bickford - Director for the Office of Storage & Transportation, DOE-NE (Invited)
Chief Mike Cochran - Police Chief, City of Craig, Colorado
Lea Perlas - Fusion Program Director, Virginia Department of Health
Randall Ryti - Councilor, Los Alamos County, New Mexico
Brian Scroggins, Administrator of the Division of Planning, Nevada Agency for Nuclear Projects
Click the image or scan the QR code below to register:
Please contact AJ Ridge, ECA Director of Programs, with any questions at ajr@energyca.org.
Join us for the 11th Annual National Cleanup Workshop. Hear from senior DOE leaders, local government officials, and industry leaders about DOE's cleanup priorities, the future of the workforce, and more.
Tue. September 23 – Registration & Pre-Conference Meetings
Wed. September 24 – National Cleanup Workshop, Evening Reception
Thu. September 25 – National Cleanup Workshop
All sessions will be held in the Arlington Ballroom at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel
Register now - click here: https://www.cleanupworkshop.com/
The National Cleanup Workshop is hosted by the Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) with the cooperation of the Energy Facility Contractors Group (EFCOG) and the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM)*.
Wall Street has arrived to Main Street. Understanding financing pathways is no longer optional—it’s a prerequisite for informed local leadership and successful project development.
Join ECA in its upcoming webinar featuring panelists shaping financing solutions for new generation of nuclear projects. Learn about the new business models emerging and how the financing will occur.
Nuclear projects will only move forward if they are financeable. While government funding has played a vital role, the new generation of projects are looking at how to structure the “capital stack” and use a mix of private financing (debt and equity), tax credits, and DOE loan program. In addition, the announced Power Purchase Agreements between utilities and large off-taker such as Google, Meta and Amazon are providing the credit needed to attract financing – once the projects are ready for market.
Join a conversation that will bring together government and the private sector to discuss these items and make recommendations on how these projects can move forward to facilitate these exciting business opportunities. This means real opportunities to attract capital, create jobs, and leverage nuclear projects for broader economic development.
Don’t miss this chance to hear from experts shaping the future of nuclear finance. Speakers will include:
Facilitator: Seth Kirshenberg - Executive Director | Energy Communities Alliance and Partner, Kutak Rock LLP
Andy Roehr - Managing Director | Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP
Anthony Huston - Managing Partner | Quadrant Nuclear Industries
Chris Lohse - Innovation and Technology Manager | Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear
Register for the event by clicking here!
Please contact AJ Ridge, ECA Program Director, with any questions at ajr@energyca.org.
Earlier this summer, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) completed a report on nuclear waste titled, "An Integrated Disposal Plan Could Help DOE Complete Its Cleanup Mission and Save Billions".
ECA is hosting an informational webinar to learn more about the recommendations to develop DOE complex-wide analyses to assess the progress of its cleanup mission. These recommendations include; optimization models to identify optimal disposal pathways; a call to develop a complex-wide disposal plan; and the creation of a forum for EM, cleanup sites, and disposal facility regulators to address regulatory constraints to optimal disposal approaches.
GAO analyzed EM waste data, interviewed or requested information from all 15 EM sites, visited commercial nuclear waste disposal facilities, and developed a hypothetical model for optimizing transuranic waste disposal using EM data.
Join ECA on July 24 at 2pm ET to learn more about the report.
Speakers will include:
Facilitator: Seth Kirshenberg – Executive Director, Energy Communities Alliance
Amanda Kolling, Assistant Director - Natural Resources and Environment, GAO
Nathan Anderson, Director - Natural Resources and Environment, GAO
Join ECA June 25, 2025 from 2:00pm to 3:30pm for a can't-miss session in the ECA Summer Webinar Series: Reviving Nuclear Reprocessing: The Reality and Opportunities.
Recent executive orders signed by President Trump have directed the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy to use their authorities to advance privately funded recycling, reprocessing, and reactor fuel fabrication technologies. But how will costs, logistics, and timing impact this ambitious move to close the fuel cycle? Hear firsthand from a panel of experts that ECA has gathered to discuss the status and history of nuclear recycling and reprocessing in the U.S., and the implications it has on the national nuclear waste strategy and on the industry as a whole.
Speakers will include:
· Facilitator: Laura Hermann – Deputy Executive Director, Energy Communities Alliance
· Ross Matzkin-Bridger - Senior Director of Nuclear Materials Security, Nuclear Threat Initiative
· Dr. Kemal Pasamehmetoglu - Non-Resident Fellow, Atlantic Council
· Nick Touran – Nuclear Advisor and Consultant, What is Nuclear
To register for the Webinar, click here! If you have any questions about the webinar or would like more information, please reach out to me at ajr@energyca.org. We hope to see you there!
Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) is pleased to host the fourth annual ECA Forum with support from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy and the Idaho National Laboratory. The only meeting designed to bring together DOE, federal, state, local and tribal governments and policymakers with developers, utilities, regulators, industry, and academia to identify opportunities, challenges and to build the partnerships necessary to support nuclear development.
Communities across the country are considering nuclear projects for many reasons - from diversifying regional economies, creating clean energy jobs or meeting carbon reduction goals, to increasing energy security and rebuilding the U.S. supply chain. Some communities have a familiarity with nuclear energy projects, while others are just beginning to evaluate potential interest. The ECA Forum is designed to enable shared learning so that local, State and Tribal governments evaluating nuclear projects can be meaningfully engaged - and prepared - to match the strengths and needs of their communities with new nuclear developers and opportunities.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The ECA Forum is open to communities, State, Tribal and local policymakers, industry, utilities, developers, experts, financiers, state legislators, community groups, and economic development organizations working to build capacity and support for new nuclear development in the U.S.
AGENDA:
ECA, with support from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy, has developed an agenda that continues to look holistically at the what a nuclear project entails: from the front-end of the fuel-cycle to the back-end of the fuel cycle, from building local support, to state support and enabling legislation, from identifying the right public-private partnerships, to understanding regulatory oversight.
HOTEL INFORMATION:
Below are recommended hotels in Idaho Falls:
Home2 Suites by Hilton Idaho Falls
MEETING GOALS:
This meeting is part of ECA's New Nuclear Initiative to define the role of local governments in supporting the development of the new nuclear technologies, and answer three core questions:
What are the newest nuclear technologies and opportunities?
What do communities need to know to attract and support new nuclear development/missions?
How can communities support industry, national laboratories, state, and federal governments and how should they communicate about local resources and development opportunities?
What hurdles and challenges will communities face - along with industry and developers - and who can we work with to overcome them?
To learn more about our sponsors, click on their logo below!
INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSOR?
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Autumn Bogus, ECA Forum Staff, at abogus@la-inc.com.
QUESTIONS?
For any questions, comments, or to learn more about the ECA New Nuclear Forums, please contact Kara Colton, ECA Director of Policy, at kara.colton@energyca.org or Faith Sanchez, ECA Deputy Director of Policy, at faiths@energyca.org.
Don't wait to register! Register now!
Join Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) for an engaging discussion; "Open for Business - New Nuclear Opportunities" - to register, click here! Local leaders, Department of Energy officials, and nuclear energy industry experts will share their perspectives on the state of new nuclear projects, the latest on nuclear from the Administration and how energy communities work with developers and innovators on projects along all stages of the fuel cycle. This webinar will cover topics pertinent to new nuclear development at the state and local level, such as:
Current, Planned, and Operating New Nuclear Projects
Timelines for Technology Deployment
The Latest from the Administration on Nuclear
Opportunities to Attract and Host New Nuclear Projects
Benefits of Locating Nuclear Projects in Communities with Nuclear Experience and Existing Energy Infrastructure
…and more!
This webinar is a lead into ECA’s fourth annual ECA Forum: Moving New Nuclear Projects Forward, to be held from April 22-24 in Idaho Falls, ID with support from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy and the Idaho National Laboratory. Register for the ECA Forum, click here!
Please reach out to AJ Ridge, ECA Program Manager, at ajr@energyca.org with any questions.
Join us for the 10th Annual National Cleanup Workshop. Hear from senior DOE leaders, local government officials, and industry leaders about DOE's cleanup priorities, the future of the workforce, and more.
Please join the Energy Communities Alliance and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) as they present Coal-to-Nuclear (C2N) Transition Webinar on September 11 from 1:00-2:30 pm ET. As part of ECA’s New Nuclear Initiative, participants will join a discussion with DOE-NE on the feasibility of converting the nation’s retiring coal plants to nuclear power plants. By leveraging the existing workforce and some of the infrastructure in coal communities the transition from coal-to-nuclear could preserve hundreds of jobs, while creating new jobs and economic opportunities. Learn more about C2N here.
Please submit any questions beforehand to Faith Sanchez, Energy Communities Alliance, faiths@energyca.org.
DOE’s Collaboration Based Siting (CBS) Initiative is focused on a community driven approach to siting a potential consolidated federal interim storage facility (CISF) for spent nuclear fuel.
ECA is hosting this invitation only meeting to identify, explore, and discuss what business case opportunities may existing for a local, tribal or state government hosting a facility that includes spent nuclear fuel and what policies need to be considered for a community hosting such a site.
The goal of the meeting is to assist communities – broadly defined to include local, state and Tribal governments – to build an “art of the possible” vision that incorporates long-term economic development and diversity goals and is based on lessons learned, input from sender, receiver sites and subject matter experts, and facilitating interaction across all the parties required to reach consent.
Community business opportunities could range from investment in infrastructure, co-locating industrial facilities or reprocessing facilities to create new fuel for advanced reactors, from creating community benefits packages or developing an energy hub to seeking direct payments
This roundtable meeting will review both the history and lessons learned over 30 years of development projects at DOE sites of both real and personal property. It will also highlight how we can all continue to work with DOE on new opportunities in our communities, talk about some of the key roles that CROs and economic development entities can undertake to develop economic opportunities in our communities, and cover in-depth the issues that are salient to our member communities.
For more, read the full meeting summary.
For the full meeting agenda, click here.
Review the slides covering:
Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) is pleased to host the third annual ECA Forum with support from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy. The only meeting designed to bring together DOE, federal, state, local and tribal governments and policymakers with developers, utilities, regulators, industry, and academia to identify opportunities, challenges and to build the partnerships necessary to support nuclear development.
Communities across the country are considering nuclear projects for many reasons - from diversifying regional economies, creating clean energy jobs or meeting carbon reduction goals, to increasing energy security and rebuilding the U.S. supply chain. Some communities have a familiarity with nuclear energy projects, while others are just beginning to evaluate potential interest. The ECA Forum is designed to enable shared learning so that local, State and Tribal governments evaluating nuclear projects can be meaningfully engaged - and prepared - to match the strengths and needs of their communities with new nuclear developers and opportunities.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The ECA Forum is open to communities, State, Tribal and local policymakers, industry, utilities, developers, experts, financiers, state legislators, community groups, and economic development organizations working to build capacity and support for new nuclear development in the U.S.
AGENDA:
ECA, with support from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy, has developed an agenda that continues to look holistically at the what a nuclear project entails: from the front-end of the fuel-cycle to the back-end of the fuel cycle, from building local support, to state support and enabling legislation, from identifying the right public-private partnerships, to understanding regulatory oversight. Session topics include:
How to Build Community Acceptance
Reusing Energy Sites for New Nuclear Development
Understanding Industrial Applications of Nuclear Energy
Pursuing a Reliable, Domestic Nuclear Fuel Supply
Rebuilding the U.S. Nuclear Supply Chain
Tuesday, May 7
3pm Optional Nuclear 101 session
5pm Welcome Reception *Hosted by Terrestrial Energy
Wednesday, May 8
7:30am Breakfast *Hosted by FLUOR
8:30am ECA Forum
5:30pm Networking Reception *Hosted by Good Energy Collective
Thursday, May 9
8:00am Breakfast
9:00am ECA Forum
5:00pm Networking Reception *Hosted by the Communities of the Tri-Cities
HOTEL INFORMATION:
Click Here to Book a Hotel for the 2024 ECA Forum
A limited number of rooms are available at the SpringHill Suites Kennewick Tri-Cities at the discounted rate of $149/night plus applicable taxes. This rate is available until Friday, April 12, 2024 or until the group block sells out.
SpringHill Suites Kennewick Tri-Cities
7048 West Grandridge Boulevard, Kennewick, Washington, USA, 99336
Tel: +1 509-820-3026
*Complimentary On-Site Parking
MEETING GOALS:
This meeting is part of ECA's New Nuclear Initiative to define the role of local governments in supporting the development of the new nuclear technologies, and answer three core questions:
What are the newest nuclear technologies and opportunities?
What do communities need to know to attract and support new nuclear development/missions?
How can communities support industry, national laboratories, state, and federal governments and how should they communicate about local resources and development opportunities?
What hurdles and challenges will communities face - along with industry and developers - and who can we work with to overcome them?
INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSOR?
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Autumn Bogus, ECA Forum Staff, at abogus@la-inc.com.
QUESTIONS?
For any questions, comments, or to learn more about the ECA New Nuclear Forums, please contact Kara Colton, ECA Director of Nuclear Policy, at kara.colton@energyca.org or Faith Sanchez, ECA Program Manager, at faiths@energyca.org.
Don't wait to register! Register now!
In coordination with the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE-NE) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), ECA is excited to host the first in a new series of educational webinars, "Advanced Nuclear Technology Deployment: An Introductory Conversation with U.S. DOE & U.S. NRC" on Wednesday, February 21st at 2pm EST
This webinar series is designed for any local, State, Tribal governments and communities interested in learning more about advanced reactors developments, demonstrations, and deployments.
We hope you will join ECA's Director of Nuclear Policy, Kara Colton, in this important discussion featuring:
Dr. Kathryn Huff, Assistant Secretary, Office of Nuclear Energy, DOE
John Lubinski, Director, Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, NRC
The webinar is open to all interested participants and will have time for audience Q&A. There is no fee to participate but registration is required in advance.
We hope you can join us and please contact ECA Program Director, Faith Sanchez, (faiths@energyca.org) with any questions.
Join ECA, December 13 at 2PM EST for an engaging discussion around "Planning for the Upcoming Congressional Year: How to Communicate Priorities". Register to learn more from Congressional and DOE insiders, Jaime Shimek, former House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee clerk, Colin Jones, Vice President, Deputy General Manager of the Jacobs North American Nuclear Group, Mary Louise Wagner, Governmental Affairs Consultant and facilitated by David Reeploeg, Head of ECA Public Policy Committee.
The Biden Administration has awarded funding for projects led by universities, private companies and natural laboratories to develop technologies to advance used nuclear fuel recycling, reduce the volume of high-level waste requiring permanent disposal, and provide safe domestic advanced reactor fuel stocks. Similarly, in Congress there is bipartisan support for exploring the potential for fuel recycling to establish a domestic industry to supply and enrich uranium, to increase our energy independence and reduce our reliance on Russia. But this is not the first time the U.S. has considered reprocessing and there have been multiple starts and stops for multiple reasons. How is the landscape different today? What is the potential for closing the fuel cycle in the U.S.? What would the impact be for advanced nuclear development? What is the timeline?
Join ECA as we consider these and other questions during our free webinar "Reprocessing and Recycling: The Outlook and Impact on New Nuclear Development" on Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern to learn more from experts Paul Murray and Josh Jarrell, Senior Technical Advisor to the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Nuclear Fuel Availability Program from the Idaho National Laboratories.
Please use this link to register.
Reach out to Faith Sanchez, ECA Program Manager (faiths@energyca.org) with any questions.
Use this link to watch the recording.
Registration information coming soon. To view information on previous National Cleanup Workshops, please visit www.cleanupworkshop.com.
Power purchase agreements play a key role in clean energy development, including new nuclear development. Federal agencies such as DOE, DOD and GSA can assist the emergence of new technologies such as advanced reactors and existing technologies such as wind, power and geothermal development by purchasing the power as the federal government is largest purchaser of power in the United States. A key for federal agencies includes the legal authority, the process and the political will to support these power purchases.
Join ECA's webinar on June 27 to hear from experts on how DOE and other federal agencies can assist advanced reactor and other clean energy development by purchasing power from these projects through utilities and the developers, the lessons learned from years of federal power purchase projects, and what ideas exist to for federal agencies to be the catalyst for energy development through power purchases.
Congressional Research Service (CRS) identified, “Federal agency agreements to purchase power from advanced reactors could substantially improve the financial feasibility of such projects, both at the demonstration and commercialization stages. Such power purchase agreements (PPAs) would provide a projected revenue stream that could help advanced reactor projects obtain financing and potentially reduce their financing costs. Federal agencies could also offer above-market prices for the power to encourage commercialization of nuclear technologies, if authorized by Congress.”
Speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. Zoom information will be provided before the event.
Please contact Dylan Kama, ECA Program Director, with any questions at dylank@energyca.org.
Additional resources about power purchase agreements:
ECA was pleased to host the second annual Nuclear Development Forum: Building Capacity and Opportunity, May 17-19, 2023, in Paducah, Kentucky.
Communities across the country are considering nuclear projects for many reasons - from diversifying regional economies, creating clean energy jobs or meeting carbon reduction goals, to increasing energy security and rebuilding the U.S. supply chain. Some communities have a familiarity with nuclear energy projects, while others are just beginning to evaluate potential interest. The ECA Forum is designed to bring communities, SMR and advanced nuclear project developers, federal and state governments together to enable shared learning and to build the partnerships necessary to address opportunities for new nuclear development.
ECA was excited to host this Forum is in coordination with the U.S. Department of Energy, the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy, the City of Paducah, McCracken County, the Paducah Area Community Reuse Organization, the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, and the American Nuclear Society. As the host of an existing federal nuclear facility in a state considering adding nuclear to the energy mix, Paducah, Kentucky, is an ideal location to explore future nuclear development and opportunities to leverage and transition an energy workforce and existing infrastructure.
The ECA Forum is open to communities, states, Tribes, local governments, industry, utilities, developers, experts, financiers, lawyers, state legislators, community groups, and economic development organizations working to build capacity and support for new nuclear development in the U.S.
This meeting is the second in a series ECA is hosting as part of our New Nuclear Initiative to define the role of local governments and the partnerships necessary to develop priorities, policies, educational resources and outreach on new nuclear development.
The goals for this Forum include:
Providing a clearer timeline, economic outlook and educational resources for communities considering whether and how to support advanced nuclear energy projects.
Engaging communities on key issues such as siting, regulation, investment, workforce development, safety, and potential environmental and equity impacts of nuclear energy projects.
Sharing lessons learned from nuclear energy activities in the U.S. and abroad.
Matching potential host communities with nuclear energy developers, utilities and the right project.
Dr. Kathryn Huff, Assistant Secretary for DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy, was confirmed as the Forum's opening keynote speaker.
Agenda topics included:
Adding Nuclear to the Energy Mix
Understanding Resources Available for Evaluating Nuclear Development
Incorporating Reuse of Existing Facilities for New Nuclear Projects
Changing Perceptions of Nuclear
Co-location and Industrial Applications for Nuclear Energy
Developer Roundtable: The Elements Necessary to Build our Nuclear Economy
Lessons Learned: Developing Nuclear Facilities Abroad
In addition, on Wednesday, May 17, ECA will be offered an optional "Nuclear 101" for participants new to nuclear energy and an optional tour of DOE's Paducah Site (additional registration was required).
The conference was held at the Paducah-McCracken Co. Convention Center (415 Park St, Paducah, KY 42001).
For information on travel to Paducah, KY, please click here.
There is no hotel block for the Forum. Hotels in the area include:
For any questions or comments, please contact Kara Colton, ECA Director of Nuclear Policy, at kara.colton@energyca.org or Sarah Templeton, ECA Program Manager, at saraht@energyca.org.
The National Governors Association, on behalf of the Combined Intergovernmental Working Group, is hosting the Twenty-first Annual Intergovernmental Meeting with the U.S. Department of Energy on Nuclear Weapons Waste Cleanup on Wednesday, November 30 and Thursday, December 1, 2022. After a three-year hiatus, the meeting will be held in-person in New Orleans. ECA will have the opportunity to meet on Tuesday, November 29.
Please save the date. More details and the link to the meeting registration site will follow.
We look forward to seeing everyone in-person this fall!
ECA will host a free, virtual briefing with Nathan Anderson, Director, Natural Resources and Environment, for the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
This year, GAO has released several reports about DOE's Environmental Management (EM) program. They include:
June 16: Improvements Needed to Measure Progress of Cleanup of Formerly Used Defense Sites
July 13: Enhanced Coordination, Prioritization, and Leadership Commitment Could Improve DOE Research and Development Efforts
July 27: DOE's Efforts to Manage Depleted Uranium Would Benefit from Clearer Legal Authorities
July 29: Hanford Site Cleanup Costs Continue to Rise, but Opportunities Exist to Save Tens of Billions of Dollars
September 28: Actions Needed to Determine Whether DOE's New Contracting Approach is Achieving Desired Results
September 29: DOE Needs to Improve Transparency in Planning for Disposal of Certain Low-Level Waste
Register today to hear GAO's insights about the findings and recommendations from these reports. A Zoom link will be provided to attendees prior to the event.
As part of our New Nuclear Initiative, ECA invites you on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 3:00 pm Eastern to continue a conversation with Jim Schaefer, Senior Managing Director at Guggenheim Securities, on the investor outlook for advanced nuclear development. Jim was a featured speaker this summer at the ECA Forum on New Nuclear Development in Salt Lake City, and will provide additional input in light of the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act.
In addition to Jim, ECA is excited to host Steve Comello from the EFI Foundation, the 501c3 arm of the Energy Futures Initiative. EFI and the EFI Foundation - founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernie Moniz - are organizations dedicated to harnessing the power of technology and policy innovation to accelerate the clean energy transition.
There is no cost to participate in the this event, however advance registration is required. A Zoom link will be sent prior to the event.
We look forward to a very timely, informative discussion with opportunities for questions and answers. If you have any questions or if ECA can be of any assistance, please contact Sarah Templeton, ECA Program Manager, at saraht@energyca.org or Kara Colton, ECA Director of Nuclear Policy, at kara.colton@energyca.org.
We are pleased to host the 2022 National Cleanup Workshop at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA! Join us to discuss a new era of cleanup success. Hear from senior DOE officials, local government officials, and industry leaders about DOE's cleanup priorities, the future of the workforce, and more.
The Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) is pleased to host The Energy Communities Forum on Hosting New Nuclear Development, August 3-5, 2022, at the Marriott University Park in Salt Lake City.
As the country pursues an all-of-the-above energy strategy, energy independence and mitigation of climate change impacts, support for nuclear energy continues to grow. ECA believes in the great potential for nuclear energy to deliver dependable baseload power alongside renewables, create jobs, rebuild the nuclear manufacturing supply chain, and power hybrid energy systems for industry as well as for space propulsion. New and advanced nuclear technologies like small modular reactors, microreactors, fast-neutron reactors, and accident-tolerant fuels are being developed that promise to be smaller, simpler, safer and, importantly, economically competitive.
For these “new nuclear” projects – many of them first-of-a-kind – to be commercially-viable and successfully deployed, each project must be integrated into its host community with alignment around key issues: siting, planning, workforce, financing, and marketing. Each project must be located where the community supports the mission and:
Required federal and private funding,
Regulatory assurance,
Demand for the electrons or heat being generated,
Availability of related goods and services, and
Partnerships at all levels of government.
Examples of how these partnerships drive success can be seen in communities around the country, specifically those that have long supported federal nuclear missions. Already DOE frontline communities are engaging on new nuclear development across the DOE complex, including: the Kairos Powers’ Hermes reactor at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee; Centrus Energy’s HALEU Production Facility in Piketon, Ohio; the UAMPS NuScale SMR, the Department of Defense’s Project Pele and MARVEL microreactor at the Idaho National Laboratory; and the TRi Energy Partnership with X-energy in Richland, Washington. Like many local leaders across the U.S., local governments around these sites are eager to support the new generation of nuclear technologies, realize the myriad benefits these projects bring, and see successful demonstrations become widespread commercial deployment.
To better understand how to match potential host community strengths and needs with those of advanced nuclear project developers, ECA’s Energy Communities Forum on Hosting New Nuclear Development will:
Provide a venue for nuclear technology and project developers to meet and interact with interested potential host communities, with exhibition booth spaces and separate, small meeting room availability.
Share lessons learned from communities and developers hosting nuclear power facilities or federal nuclear missions and outline what local government needs to understand and should consider as potential hosts for nuclear projects.
Facilitate discussions to better understand the outlook for new nuclear development and provide realistic timelines for local governments and economic development entities looking at siting, regulation, public-private partnerships and how to build support from the ground-up.
The agenda will also feature five case studies on new nuclear development in Idaho; Richland, Washington; Kemmerer, Wyoming; Oak Ridge, Tennessee; and Portsmouth, Ohio with presentations by the teams – from the developer, utility, local government, and local economic development entities – on progress being made and the challenges that remain.
ECA looks forward to participation from the:
U.S. Department of Energy
National Reactor Innovation Center
Nuclear Energy Institute
Gateway for Innovation in Nuclear
Idaho National Laboratory
University of Michigan Fastest Path to Zero Initiative
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Nuclear Innovation Alliance
Good Energy Collective
Tribal governments and Tribal members and
Cities/counties around the country
…. And many others
At this time, the Salt Lake City Marriott University Park is fully booked. Please see alternate hotel options below:
Salt Lake City Marriott City Center
220 South State Street Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
801-961-8700
3.6 miles from conference hotel
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/slccc-salt-lake-city-marriott-city-center/overview/
—
Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek
75 South West Temple Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
801-531-0800
4.5 miles from conference hotel
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/slcut-salt-lake-marriott-downtown-at-city-creek/overview/
For questions, please contact Kara Colton, ECA Director of Nuclear Policy, at kara.colton@energyca.org or Sarah Templeton, ECA Program Manager, at saraht@energyca.org.
For any questions or inquiries regarding sponsorship opportunities, please contact Sarah Templeton, ECA Program Manager, at saraht@energyca.org
You can also learn more about ECA’s New Nuclear Initiative at www.energyca.org/new-nuclear
Please contact Sarah Templeton, ECA Program Manager, by email at saraht@energyca.org for more information on opportunities for supporting the ECA Forum.
PRESENTATIONS:
Environmental Management Budget 101 - Steve Trischman, DOE-EM Director of Budget and Planning
Federal Budget Overview - Dylan Kama, ECA Program Director
The Energy Communities Alliance will host a virtual federal budget and appropriations process briefing on Thursday, Feb. 24, from 2-3 pm Eastern (noon to 1 pm MT / 11 am to noon PT). With the President’s budget expected next month, new infrastructure spending, and FY 22 appropriations still in a continuing resolution, this meeting will help prepare you and your communities for what lies ahead for the federal budget and identify how the federal budget process works.
The meeting is free to attend.
We will be joined by Steve Trischman, Director of Budget and Planning in DOE’s Office of Environmental Management.
Additionally, we welcome you to invite others in your communities to this event.
For regular updates on the DOE Budget please visit our budget tracking page at http://www.energyca.org/budget-tracker.
Key 2022 Budget Dates:
March 11: The Continuing Resolution (CR) for FY 2022 - the current budget year - federal government funding expires.
March 7: The Federal FY 2023 Administration Budget Request would typically be due to Congress (and FY 2024 funding Senate and House hearings would begin) on February 7. However, this year's budget is expected to be at least one month late. As a reminder, the FY 2022 budget request was released in mid-May in 2021 and this budget request may be delayed if the CR is delayed again.
September 30: FY 2022 federal budget year ends.
November 8: Mid-term elections occur for all House seats, 34 of the 100 seats in the Senate, and 39 State and territorial governors.
If you have any questions, please contact ECA Program Director Dylan Kama at dylank@energyca.org
DECEMBER 7 - 9, 2021
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center - Alexandria, VA
Join us at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center to discuss a new era of cleanup success.
View the agenda here.
Registration information is available here.
Hear from senior DOE officials, local government officials, and industry leaders about DOE's cleanup priorities, the future of the workforce, and more. If you have already registered for the Workshop prior to its postponement, you will not need to re-register. Further information about booking rooms at the Workshop hotel will be available in the coming weeks.
We look forward to seeing you in December!
