NOW 2025 Recap

NOW Day 2 began with a welcome from Nuclear Working Group chair Bob Morris.

Erik Olds, Manager of Oak Ridge Environmental Management for the U.S Department of Energy introduced our featured speaker for the day David Salyers, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Commissioner Salyers spoke about Tennessee’s progress in nuclear energy, highlighting the state’s efforts in workforce development, advanced nuclear technologies, and environmental cleanup. He summarized the work of the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council and the impact of the $70 million Nuclear Energy Fund used for economic development. Tracy and the ETEC team were acknowledged for their leadership. Ongoing investments in education were discussed, along with the need for regulatory planning and collaboration.

The first Atomic Insights session of the day was a conversation about Financing Nuclear Projects with Charles Oppenheimer, founder of the Oppenheimer Project and Oppenheimer Energy Ventures and Seth Kirshenberg the executive director of the Energy Communities Alliance. The two men explored the financial landscape for nuclear energy projects, emphasizing the challenges of securing early-stage capital and managing the high risk associated with first-of-a-kind technologies. They discussed the importance of shifting financial risk away from utilities through new developer models, government incentives, and greater private investment. Regulatory complexity, supply chain readiness, and the need for repeatable project models were identified as key factors in reducing costs and attracting capital.

The Nuclear Energy: Teaming To Power AI panel was moderated by Joe Hoagland at ORNL and his panelists included Gina Tourassi, ORNL; Jeff Olson, Kairos Power; Charles Sims, TVA/UT Baker School; and Andy Roehr, Baker Tilly Advisory. The panel focused on the growing connection between artificial intelligence (AI) and nuclear energy, particularly the increasing demand for reliable, clean power to support AI development. They discussed the challenges of aligning AI’s rapid pace with nuclear’s longer development timelines, and emphasized the need for early investment, creative financing models, and clear strategies to manage risk and community impact. Upfront capital, long-term pricing strategies, and scalable deployment are key to making nuclear viable for AI-driven infrastructure. They stressed that pairing the two sectors requires coordinated action, confidence in new technologies, and sustained momentum across both public and private sectors.

TCAT-Knoxville hosted the networking breaks during Day 2 of our NOW Conference.

The second media event was on Day 2 in front of the impressive 3-D printed concrete form being used at Kairos Power’s Oak Ridge campus, where the Hermes Low-Power Demonstration Reactor is currently under construction. Media gathered to hear from Ed Blandford, Co-Founder and CTO of Kairos Power and Ryan Dehoff, Director of ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility to hear about this milestone for the future of American nuclear energy.

Moderator Andy Worrall of ORNL & GAIN gathered a panel to talk about the Back End of the Fuel Cycle. Panelists included Todd Kile, SHINE Technologies; Sven Bader, Orano Federal Services; Paul Cantonwine, ORNL; Ben Carmichael, Southern Nuclear; and Paul Murray, U.S. DOE. The panel examined the challenges and opportunities tied to managing used nuclear fuel, with a focus on recycling, reprocessing, and long-term disposal. They emphasized the need to shift national policy and perception, recognizing that spent fuel can be both a liability and a strategic asset, depending on how it is managed. They discussed the importance of integrating fuel cycle planning into reactor design and project development from the start, rather than treating waste as an afterthought. The panelists stressed that building reactors without a long-term waste solution is unsustainable and urged for faster progress backed by funding, policy alignment, and coordinated national effort.

The topic of the next panel was Expediting Processes to Accelerate U.S. Nuclear Renaissance. Brian Wirth, with UTK & ORNL moderated and hosted as panelists Ed Blandford, Kairos Power; Jennifer Wheeler, TRISO-X; Spencer Klein, Nuclear Energy Institute; J.D. Dowell, Fluor Nuclear Power; and, Ryan Dehoff, MDF-ORNL. The discussion focused on strategies to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, emphasizing the importance of simplified reactor designs, full-scope planning, and regulatory reform. They highlighted how digital tools, advanced manufacturing, and modular construction can reduce costs and timelines, while increasing predictability. Improved coordination between government agencies, industry, and the public was seen as essential, along with workforce development and early stakeholder engagement. The panel also stressed the need for clear milestones, performance-based licensing, and leveraging existing data to reduce duplication and delays, while maintaining a strong safety culture throughout the process.

Lunch on Day 2 was hosted by TCAT-Knoxville.

The Nuclear Workforce Training & Education panel moderated by Michelle Goodson with ORAU was our largest panel. Flora Tydings, TN Board of Regents; Holly Cross, Oak Ridge Schools; Megan Martin, Type One Energy Group; Matt Mullins, AMSE; Rebecca Salvadore, Constellation Energy/WIN; Daniel Smith, IBEW were her panelists. They discussed strategies to grow and sustain the nuclear workforce by building awareness, expanding training opportunities, and strengthening partnerships across education, industry, and communities. Early engagement was emphasized, with programs targeting students from elementary school through high school, using hands-on learning, dual enrollment, and outreach materials to spark interest in nuclear careers. In East Tennessee, much is happening to train the future workforce. For example, programs like dual enrollment at Roane State and partnerships with Pellissippi State and UT are helping students earn credentials and degrees that lead directly into nuclear careers. Regional institutions such as ORAU and AMSE in Oak Ridge are engaging students as early as elementary school through hands-on STEM activities, field trips, and Nuclear Science Week events to build long-term interest. Technical colleges, unions, and industry partners are expanding apprenticeship programs, funding certifications, and supporting pathways that include both trades and advanced degrees.

The next Atomic Insight chat focused on Establishing a Radiopharmaceutical Ecosystem in Tennessee. Speakers included Sandra Davern, ORNL; Barry Scott, PETNET Solutions/Siemens Healthineers; and, Glen Balch, UT Medical Center Cancer Institute. The panel discussed efforts to build an ecosystem in Tennessee that connects nuclear science and cancer treatment. Leaders outlined the need for a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation to improve cancer outcomes and attract top talent, research funding, and economic activity. Ongoing collaborations between the UT System, ORNL, and institutions in Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are focused on expanding clinical research, building specialized facilities, and developing the necessary workforce. ORNL is advancing the production of key medical isotopes and Siemens Healthineers, headquartered in Knoxville, is playing a major role in nuclear medicine technology. They emphasized that with coordinated investment and partnerships, Tennessee can become a national leader in precision medicine and radiopharmaceutical innovation.

The last panel of the NOW 2025 Conference is always one of the most popular. The discussion on Advanced Reactors: Micro, Gen III+, Gen IV was led by Lance Lacroix with Navarro; and included Evan Cummings, Kairos Power; Greg Boerschig, Clinch River Project-TVA; Everett Redmond, Oklo; Vincent Thomas, Westinghouse; and, Rita Baranwal, Radiant. The panel focused on the development and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors. Key themes included the importance of safety, operational discipline, and building public trust, along with regulatory reform to streamline licensing through DOE and NRC efforts. Tennessee is active in this space, with TVA's progress with reactor licensing and work on supply chain and workforce models. ORNL is supporting partnerships and innovation. Industry leaders emphasized the value of strong collaborations among utilities, government, labs, and private companies to accelerate deployment and address workforce gaps. The panel agreed that success with first reactors will open doors for wider adoption, making this a pivotal time for the nuclear ecosystem nationally and in Tennessee.

Tracy Boatner, President and CEO of ETEC wrapped up the conference with a round of thank yous and announcements about next year's NOW Conference. She invited everyone to learn more about ETEC, attend one of our Friday Morning Meetings, and to stay in touch until we gather again next year.