Where in the World Is NEI? Knoxville, Tennessee!

Read more about a recent trip from NEI's own Kelly Bielen, senior manager for public affairs.

✈ Where was I? Knoxville, Tennessee, for a meeting of state energy officials and public service commissioners exploring advanced nuclear for their states—in total, 29 states were represented! 

✍ What was going on? States were sharing information on opportunities and barriers for new nuclear. We fit a lot into two and a half days—a planning workshop, panels, and a tour of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Christine Csizmadia and I were both there from NEI to serve as resources and a connection to the nuclear industry. 

⚡ Lightning round!  

• Favorite meal: A cookies and cream “Churn” (think: DQ Blizzard) from local dairy Cruze Farm 
• Notable quote or highlight: “Design. Make. Do.” Oak Ridge’s Nuclear Energy Programs Director Andy Worrall (also our tour guide!) highlighted this common thread between laboratory facilities where scientists are fabricating nuclear fuel, 3-D printing parts for power plants, and testing liquid salt reactor designs.  
• Something you learned: Some states are talking about building nuclear as an energy addition vs. an energy transition because the need isn’t just in the future...it’s here now. They’re seeing huge growth in electricity demand and are eager to add 24/7/365 nuclear to meet that demand.