News & Events

Good evening. I’m delighted to have this opportunity to discuss the future of nuclear technologies with those who are educating the next generation of our industry’s workforce.

The Energy Department has funded university nuclear programs for many years. DOE has expanded its efforts through the Nuclear Energy Research Initiative, and more specifically the seven grant assistance programs administered by the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology.

One of the most significant developments during the past few years was the formation of the Nuclear Energy Research Advisory Committee, which underscores the importance of university education and research in nuclear technologies.

I commend NERAC for establishing a Blue Ribbon panel to identify the best ways to support these programs and for recommending workshops such as this one.

I’m here this evening to discuss the future of nuclear technologies. All over the United States, energy companies are lining up to renew the operating licenses for their nuclear power plants and mapping plans to site and build new nuclear plants.

The market is there. The question is, will we have the infrastructure and the trained professionals we need to support the industry’s growth?