During this fireside chat, Commissioner Tim Echols will speak with Loan Programs Office Director Jigar Shah and Tennessee Valley Authority President and CEO Jeff Lyash about the Future of Advanced Nuclear.

This conversation will provide information about:

• TVA’s New Nuclear Program, an effort to lead the electric power sector towards a new era of advanced nuclear generation;
• New authority under section 1706 of the Inflation Reduction Act which includes provisions for retooling, repurposing, and replacing existing energy infrastructure; 
• Partnership model opportunities to mitigate costs and risks associated with launching new nuclear technologies;
• The development of innovative project structures to facilitate advanced nuclear deployment at volume and scale; and
• The role of the federal government and utilities in deploying advanced nuclear projects to benefit ratepayers.

Moderator: Hon. Tim Echols, Georgia

Speakers:

Jeff Lyash, President and CEO, Tennessee Valley Authority

Jigar Shah, Director, Loan Programs Office, U.S. Department of Energy

Background:

Advanced nuclear reactors are expected to play a vital role in helping the U.S. reach the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of a decarbonized power sector by 2035. The administration sees advanced nuclear as an ideal energy source to complement and supplement renewable energy generation, together providing reliable, clean, and affordable electricity around the clock. However, despite their technological maturity, advanced reactors need a committed orderbook to attract investment, build the supply chain, develop a trained workforce, and ensure fuel availability. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) provides loans and loan guarantees, serving as a bridge to bankability for breakthrough energy infrastructure projects. LPO is committed to supporting the first wave of advanced reactor deployments by facilitating access to patient capital, including providing support for Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, the first new nuclear power reactors to be licensed and begin construction in the U.S. in a generation.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has always played a leadership role in electric generation for the southeast region and nation. Founded in 1933 as an agency and instrument of the Federal government, TVA was established to address issues in energy, environmental stewardship, and economic development. Today, TVA provides electricity for 10 million people in Tennessee and parts of six surrounding states. TVA has a storied history with nuclear energy and is entering a new phase. TVA operates the nation's third largest nuclear fleet. TVA’s current generation portfolio consists of 39 percent nuclear from seven units at three sites, including Watts Bar Unit 2, the first new nuclear energy brought online in the U.S. in the 21^st century. Looking to the future, TVA is exploring the construction of multiple small modular reactors (SMRs), including consideration of the GE-Hitachi BWRX-300 technology at the Clinch River site in Tennessee, where TVA holds the nation's only early site permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Joint Business Meeting of the Subcommittee and Staff Subcommittee on Nuclear Issues

Closed meeting - subcommittee and staff subcommittee members, speakers, and invited guests only

Agenda: 

1:30 - 1:35 Welcome - Subcommittee Co-Chair Tim Echols, Georgia

1:35 - 2:00 Discussion of Advanced Nuclear Technologies - Marcus Nichol, Senior Director, New Reactors, Nuclear Energy Institute

2:00 - 2:30 Updates

• Office of Nuclear Energy, U.S. Department of Energy
• Kiera Zitelman, Technical Manager, NARUC Center for Partnerships and Innovation
• Kristy Hartman, Director, Stakeholder Strategy and Engagement, Nuclear Energy Institute
• Katrina McMurrian, Executive Director, Nuclear Waste Strategy Coalition