Nuclear Energy Seminar

The Clean Energy and Sustainability Analytics Center (CESAC) at Montclair State University is hosting a half-day forum on new nuclear energy and its opportunities for New Jersey. This program offers an overview of existing and advanced nuclear reactor technologies, along with recent policy developments and emerging opportunities for new plants in New Jersey. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of what building a new plant involves, including costs, investment needs, effects on affordability, and the outlook for nuclear energy development in the state.

Agenda Highlights:

• 9:00 AM — Registration and Coffee
• 10:00 AM — Opening Session with Welcome Remarks by Dr. Pankaj Lal
• 10:30 AM — Panel 1: Nuclear Energy 2026: Technology, Markets, and Deployment Reality
• 11:30 AM — Panel 2: Financing New Nuclear and How Investment Decisions Are Made
• 12:30 PM — Lunch
• 1:00 PM — Keynote: View from the Sherrill Administration
• 1:30 PM — Panel 4: Specifics of Potential Projects for New Nuclear in NJ
• 2:30 PM — Concluding Remarks by Dr. Upendra Chivukula

About the Panels:

Panel 1 — Nuclear Energy 2026: Technology, Markets, and Deployment Reality:
Moderator: Rick Mroz, Sr. Director, Strategic Regulatory Affairs, Archer Public Affairs
Presenters: NEI, USNIC, Constellation, X-Energy, Fusion Association / Princeton Plasma Lab

This session provides an overview of the existing nuclear fleet and efforts to extend and restart long-term generation units. The discussion covers advanced nuclear technologies including fuel types, generation technologies, and the range of sizes and fabrication techniques used in both large reactors and small modular reactors.

Panel 2 — Financing New Nuclear and How Investment Decisions Are Made :
Moderator: Dr. Zenon Christodoulou, Commissioner Emeritus, CESAC
Presenters: USDOE EDF, Finance Community/Bankers, NextEra, Brookfield

This session surveys anticipated costs for new nuclear plants, discussing FOAK and NOAK projects, federal funding, and the state policies needed to support new builds. Topics include capital and operating cost drivers, risk allocation among ratepayers and developers, and federal financing tools.

Keynote —View from the Sherrill Administration:
Presenter: Colin Emerle, Senior Counsel, Office of Governor Mikie Sherrill (Invited)

Senior Counsel Colin Emerle from the Office of Governor Mikie Sherrill will discuss the administration's bold step to evaluate new nuclear build in New Jersey, the NJ Power Act signed in July 2026, and the process at the NJ Board of Public Utilities and NJ Economic Development Authority.

Panel 4 — Specifics of Potential Projects for New Nuclear in New Jersey:
Moderator: Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, Chairman, ATU
Presenters: PSEG, Holtec, Thea Energy / Princeton Plasma Labs

This session provides insights from future owners and operators including PSEG, Holtec, and Thea Energy/Princeton Plasma Labs on specific opportunities at Oyster Creek and Salem, fusion energy opportunities, and workforce development implications.

For more information contact CESAC at cesac@montclair.edu