Photo courtesy UMass Lowell
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey yesterday joined fellow New England governors to announce that Massachusetts will host a regional summit on the campus of UMass Lowell, exploring the role advanced nuclear and fusion energy can play in New England’s energy future, including its potential to increase energy supply and lower electricity bills.
The summit will be held on September 30 at UML’s Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy. It will bring together leaders and experts from across the region to discuss new nuclear and fusion technologies, their potential to provide reliable and affordable power, and opportunities to grow the region’s energy economy. Participants will also discuss important considerations including safety, regulatory oversight, community engagement, and public trust.
UMass Lowell and MIT are home to two of only 25 nuclear research reactors in the country.
Research conducted at these institutions supports advances in energy, defense, health care and biomedical applications, including cancer research. Massachusetts colleges and universities also offer academic, research, and workforce training programs that prepare students for careers in the nuclear industry.
“Massachusetts is taking an all-of-the-above approach to energy because families and businesses need more affordable, reliable power,” said Governor Healey. “New England is home to some of the brightest minds and most innovative companies in the world, including leaders in advanced nuclear and fusion. This summit is about bringing people together, looking seriously at these technologies and how they can help lower bills, and making sure our region is prepared to lead as our energy needs grow.”
Last October, the Healey-Driscoll Administration launched a partnership with UMass Lowell to develop an “Advanced Nuclear and Fusion Energy Roadmaps” report to provide Massachusetts with a comprehensive, evidenced-based assessment of what would be required for the state to lead in advanced nuclear and fusion energy. The roadmap is being developed through extensive stakeholder engagement with government, industry, academia, labor, utilities, environmental organizations, and community groups to identify opportunities, challenges, and recommendations for the state.
Nuclear energy already plays an important role in New England’s energy system. The region’s two operating nuclear power plants provide approximately 20 to 25 percent of New England’s electricity each year. With support from the National Governors Association, the New England states are also exploring potential investment models for advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies.
