Industry, policy leaders discuss role of nuclear in energy mix
The opening plenary session of the American Nuclear Society's 2005 Winter Meeting in Washington DC will feature leading policy makers and influencers. Talking About Nuclear Differently: A Critical Element for Our Future, scheduled for 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, officially kicks off and sets the tone for the week's meeting which will run from Nov. 13-17, 2005 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC.
"We are seeing a new era develop in nuclear power generation and advanced research," says Tom Christopher, CEO of AREVA, Inc. and General Co-Chair of the ANS 2005 Winter Meeting. "A number of factors, including passage of the Energy Policy Act, increased desire for emissions-free sources of energy and economic shifts in the energy sector are coming together to underscore the necessity for nuclear power as part of a balanced energy portfolio in the United States."
Christopher joins Mike Wallace, President of Constellation Energy's Generation Group to host an informative panel that will examine critical aspects for the nuclear industry going forward. The morning dais includes:
- U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel will discuss the Energy Bill and its implications.
- Environmentalist and author Patrick Moore will look at recent shifts in thinking from the environmental perspective.
- Public opinion researcher Ann Bisconti will share what issues are on the minds of the general public.
- And former NRC commissioner James Asselstine, now with Lehman Brothers, will discuss financial and economic factors affecting nuclear power generation.
In addition to the Energy Policy Act, 2005 has seen the introduction of new partnerships, such as UniStar Nuclear, NuStart Development LLC and other ventures that are considering building the first new nuclear plants in nearly three decades. This panel will examine the recent developments that are making nuclear technology so critical to U.S. energy supply and energy security in the decades to come.
NOTE TO MEDIA: ANS welcomes the media to pre-register for complimentary conference badges at www.ans.org/meetings/winter/registration. Or visit the ANS Media Center, Nov. 14-17 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.
