Nuclear Energy at a Crossroads

Nuclear energy is at a crossroads as both challenges and the opportunities associated with nuclear power generation compete to define its future. Nuclear power could play an important role in the future global energy mix, if it can successfully capitalize on the benefits of being a proven source of zero-carbon generation. Yet nuclear still faces serious headwinds, including rising construction costs and public concerns over operational safety.

To shed light on this, the Nuclear Energy at a Crossroads conference will examine different aspects of the economics of nuclear power generation. Speakers will discuss the characteristics of domestic and global markets where nuclear power is flourishing as well as the relative advantages and disadvantages of nuclear as an electricity generation technology. Where nuclear reactors are being shut down, what are the implications of decommissioning on a national economy. The discussion will also focus on how the rise of new suppliers and emerging global partnerships affect the viability of nuclear power generation and whether there are potential energy security implications. Finally, speakers will explore what low carbon pathways look like with and without nuclear energy.

11:00AM - 12:30PM Introduction & Lunch Keynote
featuring a keynote from
The Hon. Ernest Moniz , Secretary of Energy, US Department of Energy;

and an introduction by
John Hamre , President and CEO of CSIS

featuring
Laszlo Varro , Chief Economist, International Energy Agency;
Frank Graves , Principal and Utility Practice Area Leader, Brattle Group

featuring
Tina Taylor , Director, Nuclear Sector, Electric Power Research Institute;
Jonathan Hinze , Executive Vice President, International, UxC;
Shoichi Itoh , Senior Analyst, Global Energy, Institute for Energy Economics - Japan

featuring 
The Hon. Allison Macfarlane, Director, Center for International Science and Technology Policy, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University;
Eric Knox, Senior Project Director, Nuclear & Environment, AECOM;
Whitney Herndon, Research Analyst, Rhodium Group

This conference is made possible by the support of Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd.; Mitsubishi Nuclear Energy Systems, Inc.; and Japan External Trade Organization.