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ECA Nuclear Development Forum: Building Capacity and Opportunity


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.

Special THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS!

WHO IS ATTENDING

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.

MEETING GOALS

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.

AGENDA

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).  

TRAVEL & LODGING

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.