Name: Nuclear Energy Security Summit 2024
Start: 2024-06-26T00:09:00-0400
End: 2024-06-27T17:00:00-0400
Location: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

2024 Agenda

Wednesday, June 26
Thursday, June 27

Wednesday, June 26

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7:00 am — 8:00 am

Networking Breakfast

Sponsored by:
8:00 am — 8:15 am

Welcome & Introductions
8:15 am — 9:00 am

Keynote: Global Perspective on Nuclear Energy

U.S. Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (TN-3) Chairman U.S. House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee Brian McCormack Principal UCAN Power Moderator
9:00 am — 9:45 am

Mega Trends in Nuclear Energy

The global imperative for reliable and secure energy is making headlines as technology’s electricity demand is skyrocketing, geo-political energy disruption threats are growing, net-zero carbon goals are expanding, and regulatory burdens inhibit development of transmission lines. As a result, the private sector in the U.S., our allies, and even our competitors, are investing in new generations of nuclear power to provide resilient and clean electricity and heat for a wide range of uses, from behind the meter generation to grid stabilization and assured power for critical national security and economic interests.

We’ll open the conference with an overview of the worldwide landscape in nuclear energy deployment and how geopolitics is altering the conversation, supply chains and prioritization of energy security, national or regional security, and climate outcomes.

Jess Gehin, Ph.D. Associate Laboratory Director, Nuclear Science & Technology Idaho National Laboratory Lucian Niemeyer Principal UCAN Power Michael Smith Nuclear Portfolio Lead Office of the Asst Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations & Environment Dominique Cooper Director of Business Development LeoLabs Moderator
9:45 am — 10:15 am

Networking Coffee Break

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10:15 am — 11:00 am

State of the States in Nuclear Energy

Governors and state leaders are actively looking at the new opportunities for advanced nuclear deployments in supporting national security and energy resilience. As many as eight states have either expressed interest or made headway in being early deployers. Many of these states are also host to national defense critical infrastructure that would benefit from assured power supply. We will hear from state energy leaders about their efforts in deploying advanced nuclear, attracting supply chains and workforces, and the challenges they face.

Ethel Bunch Founder and CEO Global to Local, LLC Glenn Davis Director Virginia Department of Energy Jimmy Glotfelty Commissioner Public Utility Commission of Texas Aaron Thiele Legislative Assistant for Office of Lisa Murkowski U.S. Senate Brian McCormack Principal UCAN Power Moderator
11:00 am — 12:00 pm

Competing in Emerging Nuclear Energy Markets

The United States is bringing its Government team to world nuclear events and meetings focused on capturing new and emerging energy markets with American clean and zero- emission nuclear energy technology and know-how. In addition to the US Department of Energy, the Department of State, Commerce and the US Trade and Development Agency are leading the early nuclear energy push to counter unallied nuclear energy competition coming from China and Russia.

This panel will detail emerging markets in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas and how US and Allied technology, architectural & engineering and consulting firms can play a key role in capturing key strategic nuclear energy markets for U.S. energy, economic and national security.

Carol Berrigan Executive Director for International Government Affairs & Supply Chain Nuclear Energy Institute Kirsten Cutler, Ph.D. Senior Strategist for Nuclear Energy Innovation U.S. Department of State Carl Kress Regional Director & Worldwide Energy Sector Team Leader U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Ray Alexander Senior Program Manager Jacobs Moderator
12:00 pm — 1:00 pm

Networking Lunch

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1:00 pm — 1:45 pm

Understanding the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Environment

This session offers an in-depth look at the current U.S. nuclear regulatory landscape, including an evolving regulatory framework Part 53 with an eye towards review of advanced nuclear technologies oversight mechanisms, and compliance challenges. Participants will hear from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) leadership about recent regulatory updates, licensing procedures, and safety measures. The discussion will also address the impact of these regulations on the nuclear energy industry, including the development of new technologies and the maintenance of existing facilities. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the regulatory requirements and best practices essential for operating within the U.S. nuclear sector.

Honorable Christopher Hanson Chair U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Jeff Crater Principal UCAN Power Moderator
1:45 pm — 2:30 pm

Cross-Border Collaboration on North American Nuclear Regulation

Representatives from leading North American utilities will discuss their role and collaboration in new nuclear energy expansion between Ontario Power Generation and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Attendees will gain insights into how these two pivotal entities are jointly working to develop and deploy advanced nuclear technology as part of broader efforts to achieve a carbon-free energy future.

Additionally, we hear how they are reducing the financial risks of innovating new technology, addressing the challenges and success through different regulatory regimes, and taking advantage of both companies’ nuclear experience. Specifically, we will learn more about the investment and progress in deployment of small modular reactors, focused on the GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy BWRX-300 design, at their Darlington and Clinch River sites.

Greg Boerschig Vice President, Clinch River Project Tennessee Valley Authority David Tyndall, P.Eng. Director, New Nuclear Technologies Ontario Power Generation Niko McMurray Managing Director, International & Nuclear Policy ClearPath Moderator
2:30 pm — 3:00 pm

Networking Break

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3:00 pm — 4:00 pm

Energy Resilience in a Contested Environment - Department of Defense Programs for Advanced Nuclear Power

The Department of Defense has committed significant resources to enhance energy assurance, resilience, and sustainability for military forces by developing programs to unleash capabilities from the tether of contested fuel supplies and delivery around the world. Two distinct programs are committed to the deployment of advanced nuclear power reactors to reduce the reliance on commercial power or legacy generation for both domestic military bases and in overseas contingencies. This panel of experts will discuss the challenges faced to meet warfighter power and thermal needs, and update the audience on the progress of programs to meet those needs with nuclear reactor generation.

Nancy Balkus, P.E., SES Deputy Assistant Secretary (Infrastructure, Energy and Environment) U.S. Air Force Annie Kammerer, Ph.D. Chief of the Nuclear Power Branch, Office of the Chief of Engineers U.S. Army (Headquarters) Michael McGhee Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy (Acting) U.S. Navy Jeff Waksman, Ph.D. Program Manager Strategic Capabilities Office, Department of Defense Lucian Niemeyer Principal UCAN Power Moderator
4:00 pm — 5:00 pm

Behind the Meter: Nuclear Energy for Tech and Industrial Applications

Explore the cutting-edge applications of nuclear energy beyond its traditional role in power generation, focusing on its role in high tech, including data center and more specifically AI power demands and industrial sectors. Industry leaders and experts will discuss electrical and industrial heat applications as well as the challenges of adopting nuclear solutions in various industries. This session aims to broaden the understanding of nuclear energy’s potential and foster discussions on leveraging this power source for a wide range of high tech and industrial applications.

Maxim Serezhin Chief Executive Officer Standard Power Richard Springman, Ph.D. President of Global Clean Energy Opportunities Holtec International Ken Urquhart, Ph.D. Global Vice-President of 5G/Edge/Satellite Zscaler Brian McCormack Principal UCAN Power Moderator
5:00 pm — 6:30 pm

Networking Reception

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Thursday, June 27

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7:30 am — 8:30 am

Networking Breakfast
8:30 am — 9:00 am

Keynote: A Leading Congressional Perspective on Nuclear Energy

The Honorable Mike Waltz, Congressman from the Sixth Congressional District of Florida, serves as the Chairman of the U.S. House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness. This is the lead subcommittee on the Armed Services Committee that focuses on military preparedness and readiness including energy resiliency at each military base and forward in theater. As a retired Colonel in the National Guard, a combat decorated Green Beret, and former White House and Pentagon policy advisor, Congressman Waltz brings specific knowledge and experience about our military needs to meet its readiness requirements including energy resiliency.

U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz (FL-6) Chairman U.S. House Committee Armed Services, Subcommittee on Readiness Brian McCormack Principal UCAN Power Moderator
9:00 am — 9:45 am

Financing for Nuclear Energy

EXIM Bank leadership will highlight EXIM’s commitment to advancing Biden-Harris administration priorities and opportunities to support U.S. exporters in the nuclear energy sector, including emerging nuclear energy markets in Europe, Asia and Africa

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) as the successor agency to the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) partners with the private sector to “finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today, while advancing American foreign policy and American commercial competitiveness”. DFC reversed a longstanding ban in 2020 to fund civilian nuclear energy projects that now will help increase global energy security to help meet emissions reduction goals while providing reliable baseload generation with nuclear power.

DOE’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) will review its latest financial support for the transition to a clean energy economy with access to debt capital that can be used to support advanced nuclear projects.

Tom Haslett Director, Energy and Critical Minerals Policy U.S. International Development Finance Corporation Julie Kozeracki Director of Strategy US-DOE Loan Programs Office Ashok Pasricha Managing Director, Engineering and Environment Division Export-Import Bank of USA Paul Murphy Managing Director Nuclear, Co-Head of Public Finance & Government Relations Cross River Infrastructure Partners Moderator
9:45 am — 10:15 am

Networking Coffee Break

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10:15 am — 11:00 am

Ensuring Continuity: Secure Nuclear Supply Chains from Mining to Fuel, Leveling the Playing Field with Russia and China

Industry experts and policymakers will tackle the essential aspects of security and sustainability in the nuclear supply chain, from uranium mining and manufacturing to fuel fabrication in the United States and among its allies. Russian and Chinese market dominance has compelled the U.S. and its allies to align and pursue emerging markets more strategically or cede those strategic nuclear energy markets for the next century or more to less democratic institutions.

Attendees will gain insights into the global dynamics of uranium supply, advancements in manufacturing safety, and the complexities of fuel supply logistics. The discussion will also cover regulatory challenges, international cooperation, and best practices for securing supply chains against geopolitical, environmental, and market uncertainties. This session aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the secure nuclear supply chain’s role in ensuring the reliable and safe operation of nuclear energy facilities worldwide.

Jon Carmack, Ph.D. Deputy Assistant Secretary Office of Nuclear Energy, U.S. Department of Energy Corey McDaniel, Ph.D Northwest Regional Manager Kiewit Nuclear Solutions Scott Melbye President, Uranium Producers of America & Executive Vice President Uranium Energy Corporation Rowen Price Policy Advisor for Nuclear Energy in the Climate and Energy Program Third Way Amir Vexler President & Chief Executive Officer Centrus Energy Jeff Crater Principal UCAN Power Moderator
11:00 am — 11:45 am

Global Nuclear Energy Security Among U.S. Allies

Representatives from allied nuclear countries will discuss the strategic role of nuclear energy in national security, supply reliability, and achieving net-zero goals. They will also explore the impacts of recent geopolitical shifts on global nuclear energy strategies. Attendees will gain insights into the interconnected challenges and collaborative opportunities shaping the nuclear energy landscape among U.S. allies.

Maria Brogren, PhD. Counselor for Science and Innovation Embassy of Sweden Ana-Maria Petrescu Political Affairs Officer Embassy of Romania Craig Weichel Counsellor, Program Manager (Environment & Energy) Embassy of Canada Theodore J. Garrish President UCAN Power Moderator
11:45 am — 12:30 pm

The Final Frontier: Space Nuclear Propulsion and Power

As the U.S. plans for the future of space operations, experts foresee an increasing operational need for nuclear propulsion to lift systems between and beyond current orbits, and nuclear reactors to provide both life-sustaining power and thermal capabilities in space and on the Moon. Today, NASA, The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the U.S. Air Force are all leading innovative programs to develop nuclear thermal propulsion, nuclear electric propulsion, and fission surface power technologies.

This panel will briefly review America’s history with nuclear space technology programs, provide updates on current development efforts, and seek to understand how these next generation programs will be critical to meet our long-term space defense, exploration, and habitation goals. Further, the panel will explore the role of the private sector, and ask the question: is the development of space nuclear propulsion and power technologies a purely government activity, or is there a commercial market for such technologies?”

Anthony Calomino Program Manager, Space Nuclear Fission Technology Product Development NASA Tabitha Dodson, Ph.D. Program Manager Defense Sciences Office Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Jim Howe, Ph.D. Principal UCAN Power Lucian Niemeyer Principal UCAN Power Moderator
12:30 pm

Summit Ends