Healey-Driscoll Administration to Host New England Governors Nuclear Energy Summit

Healey-Driscoll Administration to Host New England Governors Nuclear Energy Summit 

Regional summit will explore how next-generation nuclear and fusion technologies could support lower energy costs, grid reliability, and economic growth

BOSTON – Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey today joined fellow New England governors to announce that Massachusetts will host a regional summit to explore 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 the University of Massachusetts Lowell’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.

“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.”

“New England states share an energy grid, and we’re stronger when we work together to plan for our region’s future,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “As demand for electricity grows, we need to be looking ahead at new technologies that can help us bring more reliable, affordable energy to our residents and businesses. This summit will bring together leaders from across the region to share ideas, ask important questions and explore what advanced nuclear and fusion could mean for New England.”

The summit follows a commitment made by the New England governors earlier this year to work together on the region’s energy needs. In March, the New England governors called for the continued safe, affordable, and reliable operation of the region’s existing nuclear power plants and exploration of advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies. They also directed state energy offices to bring together experts, stakeholders, and the public to examine these technologies and their potential role in the region.

“As demand for electricity grows, Massachusetts is committed to exploring every available technology that can deliver safe, reliable, affordable, and clean electricity, said Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This summit will provide an opportunity to hear directly from experts, exchange ideas, and better understand the role advanced nuclear technologies could play in supporting our energy future.”

Massachusetts is already taking steps to better understand the opportunities and challenges presented by advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies. Last Fall, the Healey-Driscoll Administration launched a partnership with the University of Massachusetts 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.

Massachusetts is well positioned to help lead this emerging industry. 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 also a global center for fusion energy research and development. MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center is a leader in fusion research, and Commonwealth Fusion Systems, which was spun out of MIT, is working to develop commercial fusion energy. The company now employs nearly 1,000 people in Devens, Massachusetts, including engineers, electricians, technicians, welders, pipefitters and construction workers.

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. As demand for electricity grows, the New England states are working together to examine how existing and emerging technologies can help meet the region’s future energy needs. 

With support from the National Governors Association, the New England states are also exploring potential investment models for advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies.

“Connecticut has been a leader in nuclear energy as part of our state’s all-of-the-above approach to delivering affordable, reliable, and clean energy for Connecticut ratepayers,” said Governor Lamont. “As we work to meet New England’s growing energy needs and make energy more affordable, this summit is an opportunity for stakeholders and communities across the region to learn more about the potential for new advanced nuclear technologies to contribute to our grid.”

"Rhode Islanders deserve energy that is affordable, reliable and secure. My administration is working to expand our energy supply and lower costs by pursuing new sources of power, including nuclear energy and advanced nuclear technologies. My administration looks forward to working with our New England partners to advance that goal,” said Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee.