Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

DEEP Stakeholder Process to Explore New Nuclear Capacity in Connecticut

Section 34 of PUBLIC ACT NO. 25-173

Public Informational Meeting

Session 4: Nuclear Workforce Development, Education, and Economic Opportunities

July 22, 2026 2:00-5:00 PM

Register via ZOOM by July 21, 2026 at this link

As part of DEEP's commitment to providing objective information on the opportunities and challenges associated with advanced nuclear energy development, DEEP will host the fourth in its series of six public informational meetings on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. This session will focus on workforce development, education, and the workforce opportunities associated with advanced nuclear technologies.

The meeting comes at an important time as Connecticut continues to evaluate opportunities for deployment of advanced nuclear energy in the state. Earlier this year, the Connecticut General Assembly enacted Public Act 26-46, recognizing the critical importance of workforce development to support emerging advanced nuclear technologies and directing the Connecticut Council for Advancing Nuclear Energy Development to study workforce needs, educational pathways, and strategies to ensure Connecticut has the skilled workforce necessary to support future nuclear energy development. This informational session will help inform that broader discussion by bringing together national experts, educators, labor representatives, and industry leaders to discuss workforce requirements, training programs, and opportunities for Connecticut workers and businesses.

The meeting will feature a presentation on national workforce trends in advanced nuclear energy, followed by a panel discussion exploring how Connecticut's educational institutions, labor organizations, and existing nuclear workforce can help position the state to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

The fourth public informational meeting will be held virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. All persons planning to attend should register by July 21, 2026, using the link above.

The informational workshops are intended to provide objective information and foster dialogue among stakeholders regarding the opportunities, challenges, and considerations associated with advanced nuclear energy technologies. Information gathered through these workshops will help inform DEEP's ongoing stakeholder process and implementation of Section 34 of Public Act No. 25-173.

Public Meeting 4: Nuclear Workforce Development, Education, and Economic Opportunities -Agenda

  • 2:00 PM     Welcome and Introductory Remarks, DEEP Commissioner (acting) Emma Ciminokes
  • 2:15 PM    Advanced Nuclear Workforce Readiness: National Trends and Opportunities Philip Jordan, Chief Executive Officer, BW Research Partnership
  • 2:40 PM    Panel Discussion: Building Connecticut's Advanced Nuclear Workforce Panelists (Moderator: Jeff Semancik, Director DEEP Radiation Division):
    • Dr. Sukesh Aghara, Chair, Nuclear Engineering Program, University of Massachusetts Lowell; Lead, Massachusetts Nuclear Energy Roadmap
    • Michael O'Connor, Executive Director, Connecticut Port Authority; Former Vice President, Millstone Power Station
    • Dr. James Sherrard, Connecticut State Community College – Three Rivers Campus; Director, Nuclear Technology Program
    • Jonah Stiger, Construction Sector Operations Business Agent, Lodge 237, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
    • Philip Jordan, Chief Executive Officer, BW Research Partnership
  • 3:45 PM    Questions and Answers
  • 4:30 PM    Public Comments
  • 5:00 PM    Adjourn

Submitting Comments and Accessing Information Related to this Proceeding

DEEP will accept written comments on the topics covered in Public Meeting 4 until August 28, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Written comments may be submitted to DEEP.EnergyBureau@ct.gov with “Informational Process to Explore New Nuclear Energy Capacity” in the subject line. Filings related to this proceeding and all materials submitted by stakeholders can be found at DEEP’s Energy Filings website under Public Act 25-173 - Section 34 - Informational Process to Explore New Nuclear Energy Capacity in Connecticut. If you have any questions, you can email jordana.graveley@ct.gov.

Accessibility and Equal Opportunity Statement

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are seeking a communication aid or service, have limited proficiency in English, or require some other accommodation. If you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint, you may submit your complaint to DEEP Office of Diversity and Equity at (860) 418-5910 or via email at deep.accommodations@ct.gov. In order to facilitate efforts to provide accommodations, please request all accommodations as soon as possible following notice of any agency hearing, meeting, program, or event.