FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Inaugural World Nuclear Forum – Excellence Through Global Collaboration – Nation by Nation Showcases Tennessee Tech’s Role in Nuclear Innovation
Cookeville, TN, October 16, 2024 – The inaugural World Nuclear Forum – Excellence Through Global Collaboration – Nation by Nation, held on October 14-15, 2024, and hosted by Tennessee Technological University (TN Tech), was conceptualized and developed by Michelle Amante-Harstine, CEO of Congressional Energy Engagement (CEE). The event was a resounding success, gathering over 160 distinguished guests, industry leaders, and experts from around the world to drive progress in nuclear energy, placing TN Tech at the forefront of nuclear education.
Amante-Harstine, through CEE, has leveraged her extensive network of key leaders in the U.S. Congress, the Administration, and nuclear industry to bring this groundbreaking forum to life. CEE, a consulting firm focused on fostering collaboration in energy security and innovation, works closely with leaders to advance global energy solutions.
Each year, the World Nuclear Forum (WNF) will feature a different U.S. allied nation. France was the highlighted country in 2024, showcasing its advancements in the nuclear fuel cycle. Dr. Sunil Felix from the French Embassy, a National Order of Merit of France awardee, delivered an informative and enlightening keynote address, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in advancing energy security and sustainability goals. Attendees engaged with Dr. Felix in critical discussions on Franco-American collaboration and the role of nuclear energy in global sustainability efforts.
Amante-Harstine, who emceed the event, noted in her opening address: "We are gathered not merely to discuss nuclear energy in the abstract but to focus on its real-world impact—on energy security, national security, and achieving the net-zero emissions goals we all strive for, together with our allies. This forum is about creating lasting partnerships and driving innovation."
Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Philip Oldham, President of Tennessee Tech, Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, Chairman of the House Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee, Congressman John Rose, whose district includes TN Tech and David Owenby, Senior Advisor TDEC
The event featured a Super Panel moderated by Seth Grae of Lightbridge, featuring leaders like Per Peterson of Kairos Power, Jean-Luc Palayer of ORANO USA, Todd Asmuth of SHINE Technologies, Jeff Whitt of Framatome, and Dr. Sunil Felix. The panel offered unique insights into nuclear sustainability, workforce development, and international collaboration, making it one of the forum’s standout sessions.
Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, a longtime advocate for nuclear energy and Chairman of the House Appropriations Energy and Water Subcommittee stated, “As Chair of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, I’ve seen firsthand how critical nuclear energy is to securing our nation’s energy future. The World Nuclear Forum at Tennessee Tech brought together key international and U.S. leaders to engage in discussions that will help shape policy, technology, and collaboration in this sector. I’m proud to see my state leading in these efforts, and I look forward to continuing to support initiatives that drive innovation and ensure our energy security for generations to come.”
Congressman John Rose, whose district includes TN Tech, added, "It was an honor to participate in the inaugural World Nuclear Forum, right here in my district at Tennessee Tech. This event highlights not only the university’s growing leadership in nuclear education, but also Tennessee’s prominent role in shaping the future of clean energy. I am proud to support these efforts, as they are vital to our national security and the global pursuit of a sustainable energy future".
An International Nuclear Leadership Breakfast discussion moderated by Craig Piercy, CEO of the American Nuclear Society was also part of the program along with special luncheon addresses given by Dr. Balendra Sutharshan of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Aleshia Duncan of the U.S. Department of Energy, and Cosmin Ghita, CEO of Nuclearelectrica, Romania, further highlighting the importance of global collaboration. Additional comments by Jay Mullis U.S. Department of Energy Oak Ridge, TN and Ken Reuter, UCOR Oak Ridge were also delivered.
Brandon Gibson, Chief Operating Officer for Governor Bill Lee’s Office, Justin Maierhofer, Regional Vice President of TVA, and Congressman Chuck Fleischmann joined forces for an engaging Tennessee-centric discussion led by Amante-Harstine. They spotlighted key projects like the Clinch River SMR and emphasized Tennessee’s leadership in energy innovation. Their insights reinforced Tennessee’s crucial role in shaping the future of nuclear energy.
This year’s forum was particularly timely, as ORANO, one of the largest and most impactful additions to Tennessee’s nuclear sector, recently established operations in the state. Governor Bill Lee’s Executive Order 101 and initiatives like the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council (TNEAC) further solidified Tennessee’s leadership role.
Michelle Amante-Harstine, reflecting on the event's impact, stated, “With the eyes of the nation on Tennessee, we’ve demonstrated our capacity to lead the charge in developing new nuclear technologies and building a robust workforce pipeline. This forum highlighted the power of collaboration and set the stage for our continued global leadership in nuclear energy.”
In a significant development, Romania accepted the invitation to be the 2025 featured nation for the World Nuclear Forum, with several other countries expressing interest in future years. The forum also coincided with the opening of TN Tech’s Ashraf Islam Engineering Building and the launch of its nuclear engineering department, which welcomed nearly 20 students this year, further solidifying TN Tech’s leadership in nuclear education.
Terry Saltsman, Vice President of Government Affairs for TN Tech, commented, "As we realize that nuclear energy is not only safe, but it is good for the environment in terms of climate change,” Saltsman said. “As countries around the world address climate change, including the countries represented at this forum, we turn to clean nuclear energy. Nuclear power is a $23 trillion global economic opportunity. A 21st century Industrial Revolution.” The forum cemented Tennessee Tech’s position as a key player in nuclear education, with the new nuclear engineering department poised to train the next generation of nuclear leaders.
The forum coincided with the opening of TN Tech’s new Ashraf Islam Engineering Building and the launch of its nuclear engineering department, which welcomed nearly 20 students this year. Dr. Phil Oldham, President of Tennessee Technological University, remarked, “The unmistakable takeaway from this gathering is that Tennessee Tech is now a leading voice and training ground for nuclear energy in what is quickly becoming the leading state for nuclear energy across the country,” said Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham. “We are proud to have served as the host site for this important event and look forward to Tech’s continued leadership in this arena, working alongside the partners and expert guests we heard from throughout the forum.”. This milestone event firmly positions TN Tech on the radar as a critical player in nuclear education and research.
"We look forward to building on this year’s success as we plan for 2025 and beyond, strengthening international collaboration and continuing to position Tennessee as one of the Nations leader in nuclear innovation. Why? Because it’s crucial for our nation’s energy and national security, and it's the key to achieving both national and global carbon neutral goals." said Michelle Amante-Harstine, CEO of Congressional Energy Engagement (CEE).
About Congressional Energy Engagement Congressional Energy Engagement (CEE) connects bipartisan Members of Congress, the Administration, the NRC, and other key stakeholders with the nuclear industry and related organizations, facilitating meaningful relationships, collaboration on energy security, and innovative solutions. With a team spanning across sectors such as commercial nuclear power, advanced reactor technologies, military applications, communications and international partnerships, CEE leverages expertise from all facets of the nuclear field. Based in Washington, DC, and Tennessee, CEE operates both nationally and internationally to drive forward impactful energy initiatives.
About the World Nuclear Forum The World Nuclear Forum is an annual event designed to foster excellence in nuclear energy through collaboration and knowledge sharing. Each year, it highlights a featured U.S. ally, emphasizing global partnerships to advance energy security and sustainability. The forum is hosted by Tennessee Technological University and developed by Congressional Energy Engagement (CEE).
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