Press Releases
01/27/2026
DEEP to Hold Second Public Informational Workshop to Explore New Nuclear Capacity in Connecticut February 3rd
Virtual Workshop is the Second in a Series to Increase Awareness and Understanding About New Nuclear Technologies
(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will hold the second in a series of public informational workshops with nationally recognized experts on key issues involved in new nuclear development on Tuesday, February 3rd. This will be a virtual workshop.
This meeting will provide an overview of key issues related to advanced reactors and siting including safety, security, and spent nuclear fuel. The meeting will feature national experts including Dr. Richard Meserve, Senior of Counsel at Covington & Burling LLP, and former Chairman of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); Paul Dickman, Member, Nuclear and Radiation Studies Board, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM); Kati Austgen, Director of Public Engagement and New Nuclear at the Nuclear Energy Institute; and Dr. Armin Ansari, Director of the Radiation Protection Division in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Radiation and Indoor Air. Alongside this meeting, DEEP also will be accepting public comments on these topics through February 17th.
This is the second workshop under an informational process DEEP announced last year 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.
“These workshops are an important opportunity to address the issues that matter most to communities when considering nuclear energy, including the safety and security of nuclear power plants and the long-term management of spent nuclear fuel,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “By engaging nationally recognized experts and creating space for public dialogue, we aim to provide clear, credible information that helps Connecticut communities and policymakers better understand risks, protections, and oversight, and to ensure that public safety and community concerns remain central to any discussions about the future of nuclear energy in our state.”
The public informational workshop will be held on Tuesday, February 3rd from 2:00 PM-5:00 PM as a virtual meeting. To attend online, register here by February 2nd.
More information on this workshop and instructions for submitting public comments to DEEP will be posted here: DEEP Stakeholder Process to Explore New Nuclear Capacity in Connecticut. Materials from all the workshops in this series are posted on DEEP’s Energy Filings page under the proceeding “Public Act 25-173 - Section 34 - Informational Process to Explore New Nuclear Energy Capacity in Connecticut” here.
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 the program will be to provide interested Connecticut communities with technical expertise, funding, and resources to consider new nuclear opportunities, including a wide variety of advanced nuclear technologies.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110