Press Releases
12/01/2025
DEEP To Hold First Public Informational Workshop to Explore New Nuclear Energy Capacity in Connecticut December 10th
Workshop is the First in a Series of Public Informational Workshops DEEP Will Host to Increase Awareness and Understanding About New Nuclear Technologies
(HARTFORD) - The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will hold the first in a series of public informational workshops with nationally recognized experts on key issues involved in new nuclear development on Wednesday, December 10th.
This is the first workshop under an informational process DEEP announced last month to explore new nuclear energy capacity in Connecticut. This meeting and subsequent meetings are intended to foster engagement and gather input from diverse perspectives on critical aspects of nuclear energy development. These workshops are designed to assist municipalities and inform policy makers about the potential for hosting new nuclear capacity in the state. 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 meeting will provide an overview of advanced reactors and siting processes, and will feature national experts including Dr. Sukesh Aghara, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research at UMASS Lowell, and Patrick White, Group Lead of Safety and Regulation at the Clean Air Task Force. Alongside this meeting, DEEP also will be accepting public comments on these topics through December 22nd.
“There is growing interest in advanced reactors from stakeholders in the state and around the country. By bringing national experts together with stakeholders and leaders throughout Connecticut, we can help empower communities and inform policy makers as we consider the potential for expanding nuclear capacity in our state,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “New generation is a key component of our larger strategy to address energy costs and reliability needs, and exploring opportunities for always-on, carbon-free nuclear generation is both timely and important.”
The first public informational meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 10th from 10:00 AM-12:30 PM as a hybrid meeting with both in person and remote attendance options. In person attendance will be at the Gina McCarthy Auditorium at DEEP’s Headquarters, located at 79 Elm Street in Hartford, CT. To attend online, register here by December 8.
More information on this workshop and instructions for submitting public comments can be found here: DEEP Stakeholder Process to Explore New Nuclear Capacity in Connecticut
Future workshop topics and logistical information will be posted on DEEP’s Public Notices website.
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 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 for site readiness activities for advanced nuclear reactors in the state.
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.
View the Notice of Proceeding.- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110