Nuclear Energy Seminar
This half-day forum 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.
Photo: © Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress
Event Details:
- Date: October 8, 2026
- Location: Center for Environmental and Life Sciences 120, Montclair State University
- Co-Chairs: Hon. Richard Mroz and Hon. Zenon Christodoulou
- Format: Half-day program
Download the agenda for the Forum on New Nuclear Energy and Opportunities for New Jersey
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
- 10:20 AM — Dr. Lora Billings, Dean
- 10:25 AM — NJ Governor Mikie Sherrill (Video Presentation)
- 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
- 1:30 PM — Panel 3: 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: Richard Mroz, Sr. Director, Strategic Regulatory Affairs, Archer Public Affairs
Presenters: Nuclear Energy Institute - Kati Austgen, ClearPath - Niko McMurray, PSEG - Joseph Milo.
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 - Jonah Ury, Solestiss - Owen Ward, Constellation Energy - Kathryn Biegel, Guggenheim Securities - Allen Otto
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.
Panel 3 — Specifics of Potential Projects for New Nuclear in New Jersey:
Moderator: Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (D-14), Chairman, Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee
Presenters: Senator Michael L. Testa (D-1), Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, NJ BPU - Christine Guhl-Sadovy, Commissioner, Terrestrial Energy - Sarfraz Taj, CESAC - Marian Abdou, Commissioner Emeritus, NJ Nuclear Taskforce
This session provides insights from members of the NJ State Legislature, NJ Nuclear Taskforce, and Terrestrial Energy on potential opportunities at Oyster Creek and Salem, and workforce development implications.
For more information contact CESAC at cesac@montclair.edu