N.C. energy council talks nuclear policy and workforce

A mix of nuclear professionals and advocates gathered las week to discuss public policy, workforce needs, and regulatory matters at a meeting of the North Carolina Nuclear Energy Industry Advisory Council.

John Krohn, deputy chief of staff for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy, gave a keynote presentation and fielded questions about federal support for more nuclear generation.

"We continue our efforts to support priorities, including bolstering the nuclear fuel supply chain, moving forward the deployment of advanced reactors, helping to keep existing plants open, and-even more exciting-restarting some plants that have prematurely retired," Krohn said, referring to the efforts to bring Palisades nuclear power plant in Michigan and Three Mile Island-1 in Pennsylvania back on line.

One of the bottlenecks in the process to deploy small modular reactors is the number of different designs under consideration. Krohn shared an anecdote that "even though we love all our children the same," the industry would benefit from choosing a uniform approach to move SMRs and other advanced technology forward.

Workforce development: The group also discussed ways to inform more people about the professional opportunities available in nuclear generation. Blaine Blackwell, nuclear business development director for Day & Zimmermann, said that workforce needs changed during the global pandemic years, since many nuclear professionals retired early.

Now, companies like Day & Zimmermann are increasing outreach to young adults and students-as early as middle school-to promote the broad array of careers available in nuclear.

"Students can't be what they can't see," Blackwell said, emphasizing the work being done to visit schools and bring young people to power plants to educate them about nuclear energy and the industry. "And one of the big things [we share] . . . is the greater purpose of what all this is for-securing the nation's clean energy infrastructure, bettering advanced technologies, and really developing skills that are going to be needed as technology advances," he continued.

ANS award: During the meeting, American Nuclear Society member Steve Rea was recognized as a recipient of the 2024 Landis Public Communication and Education award. The award honors an individual for outstanding efforts, dedication, and accomplishment in furthering public education and understanding of the peaceful applications of nuclear technology.

The award is named after ANS charter member and past ANS president (1971-72) John Landis, who believed that "outreach is one of society's major accomplishments, rooted in the vision, generosity, and unselfish service of thousands of ANS members," said past ANS president Steve Nesbit (2021-22), as he presented Rea with the honor.