Press Releases
10/23/2025
DEEP Launches Informational Process to Explore New Nuclear Energy Capacity in Connecticut
DEEP to Host Series of Public Informational Workshops to Increase Awareness and Understanding About New Nuclear Technologies
(HARTFORD) - The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is launching an informational process to explore new nuclear capacity in Connecticut. Advanced nuclear reactors, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), fusion machines, and other advanced designs, are gaining considerable national interest as a potential source of safe, firm, dispatchable, carbon-free generation.
This process will engage stakeholders through a series of informational workshops designed to increase awareness and understanding of the current issues and opportunities for new nuclear development. The feedback received throughout this process will inform the development and implementation of a voluntary, competitive funding program for advanced nuclear reactor site readiness pursuant to the requirements of Section 34 of Public Act No. 25-173 (Senate Bill 4). In the future, this site readiness program will be designed to assist Connecticut communities as they evaluate the possibility of hosting a wide variety of nuclear technologies, should they be interested in doing so.
In May 2025, the regional electric grid operator for New England (ISO New England) issued its annual Forecast Report of Capacity, Energy, Loads, and Transmission, which projects that the region’s annual electricity consumption will increase by over 11% over the next decade as a result of economic growth and electrification increases within the building and transportation sectors. In its pending Integrated Resources Plan process, DEEP is exploring energy supply options that can help meet increasing electric demand affordably, reliably, and in compliance with state environmental goals.
Public Workshops:
DEEP is committed to fostering public awareness and support through meaningful dialogue and careful attention to concerns surrounding safety, security, siting, and costs associated with deploying new nuclear technologies in our communities. In the first phase of this process, DEEP will host a series of public meetings with nationally-recognized experts on key issues involved in new nuclear development. These meetings will aim to foster dialogue in the State and gather input from diverse perspectives on critical aspects of nuclear energy development. Specific schedule, format, and agendas for these meetings will be posted on DEEP’s Public Notices website.
Topics will include advanced reactor technologies, siting considerations, safety, environmental impact, community engagement, workforce development, and fusion technological development. A full list of topics can be found in the Notice of Proceeding. By fostering open dialogue, these meetings help communities better understand the evolving landscape for new nuclear development while also shaping the design of DEEP’s forthcoming advanced nuclear reactor site readiness grant program to better address local priorities and needs.
“With energy demand continuing to grow, and new generation a key component to addressing energy costs and reliability needs, exploring opportunities for always-on, carbon-free nuclear generation is timely and important,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “The collaborative, education-based approach announced today will help empower communities and inform policy makers as we determine the potential for hosting new nuclear capacity in our state.”
Public Act 25-173 created a carve-out from the statutory moratorium on new nuclear power facilities in the state by allowing Connecticut municipalities to “opt in” to hosting advanced nuclear technologies through a municipal referendum or a resolution by a municipality’s legislative body.
About Public Act 25-173 and the upcoming Nuclear Site Readiness Funding program
In the first quarter of 2026, DEEP intends to issue a Request for Information to seek input from the public about the optimal framework and approach to utilize in a future Request for Proposals (RFP) as part of Connecticut’s Advanced Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Funding Program. Section 34 of Public Act No. 25-173 directs DEEP to establish the program, with up to $5 million in bond authorization to support funding through grants or loans, site readiness activities for advanced nuclear reactors in the state. Site readiness activities include environmental and technical studies required for early site permits (ESPs) for early investment in licensing activities and infrastructure; local and regional infrastructure assessments; facilitating open and transparent discussions about the responsibilities and benefits of hosting nuclear; and community engagement and planning initiatives.
DEEP will build on the information and dialogue fostered in the informational workshops to develop and implement the Site Readiness Funding Program. The central purpose of that program will be to provide any interested communities with technical expertise, funding, and resources to consider new nuclear opportunities, including a wide variety of nuclear technologies such as advanced nuclear reactor technologies such as SMRs and fusion machines, with an emphasis on community engagement and broad stakeholder outreach to ensure local voices shape decision-making from the outset.
View the Notice of Proceeding.
- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110