Discussions to Inform the Clean Energy Ministerial

A three-part discussion on the equitable design, deployment, and transition to advanced nuclear energy technologies led by the Fastest Path to Zero Initiative, in support of the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) Nuclear Innovation: Clean Energy Future (NICE Future) initiative’s new RISE3 campaign on researching the impacts on social equity and economic empowerment. The RISE3 campaign will enable discussion on how nuclear energy and flexible electric and non-electric applications can lift economies and quality of life for communities and nations.

Towards Equitable Design and Development of Advanced Nuclear Energy Infrastructure: Discussing historic practices and reimagining the research agenda

Held on May 31, 2022

A discussion of historic aspects of social equity issues in the design and development of nuclear energy systems. Our discussants will explore lessons learned and opportunities for making ongoing and future clean energy design practices more equitable, including through increased and direct community engagement by project developers and planners and identify future research directions towards making the design of energy systems, with an emphasis in this discussion on design and infrastructure, an equity-centering undertaking.

Discussants

Kara Colton – Energy Communities Alliance
Harold Maguire, Jr- Westinghouse
Sarah Mills – University of Michigan
Tim Kalke – Sustainable Energy Galena
Gwen Holdmann – University of Alaska Fairbanks
Katlyn Turner -Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Andrea Morales Coto – FireHydrant

Moderator

Aditi Verma – University of Michigan and Harvard Kennedy School

Towards Equity in Siting of Nuclear Energy Facilities

Held on June 8, 2022

With various countries and localities considering nuclear energy technologies as playing an essential role in their low-carbon energy futures, the global nuclear industry stands on a threshold of opportunity to implement lessons learned from siting nuclear and other energy technology facilities. This discussion will explore the equity dimensions of nuclear energy facility siting processes and examine how the nuclear energy sector might integrate these equity considerations into policy, research, and practice.

Discussants

Rachael Budowle—University of Wyoming
Başak Saraç-Lesavre—University of Manchester
Mary Woollen—Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation and Deep Isolation

Moderator

Denia Djokić—University of Michigan

Energy System Transition Equities

Held on June 21, 2022

This discussion will address marginalized communities that are potentially interested in new nuclear power projects, evaluate resource needs for a just transition, survey and prioritize approaches to mitigate disproportionate impacts from the transition away from fossil fuels and towards clean energy, and discuss potential approaches and momentum to increase the diversity of talent in the nuclear energy sector.

Discussants

Lee Anderson — Utility Workers Union of America
Kirsty Gogan — TerraPraxis
Jake Kincer — Energy for Growth Hub
Trevor McDonald — Duke Energy Corporation

Moderator

Jessica Lovering — Good Energy Collective and Fastest Path to Zero Institute