BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey is planning to host a regional summit with other New England governors 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 Sept. 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 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 Lt. Gov. 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.”
Officials said Massachusetts is already taking steps to better understand the opportunities and challenges presented by advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies. Last fall, the Healey 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.
Officials said 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, officials said, with UMass Lowell and MIT being 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, officials said, with MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center being 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, including engineers, electricians, technicians, welders, pipefitters and construction workers.
Nuclear energy already plays an important role in New England’s energy system, officials said. The region’s two operating nuclear power plants, the Millstone Nuclear Power Station in Waterford, Conn., and Seabrook Station Nuclear Power Plant in Seabrook, N.H., are said to provide 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 Gov. Ned 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 Gov. Dan McKee.
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