HARTFORD, CT — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will hold the fourth in a series of public informational workshops on key issues involved in new nuclear development on Wednesday, July 22, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This meeting will focus on workforce development, education, and economic workforce opportunities associated with advanced nuclear energy technologies, according to DEEP. The workshop will feature a keynote presentation by Philip Jordan, CEO of BW Research Partnership, on national workforce trends in advanced nuclear energy, followed by a panel discussion featuring leaders from higher education, labor, industry, and economic development.
This workshop comes as Connecticut continues to evaluate opportunities associated with advanced nuclear energy. Earlier this year, the Connecticut General Assembly enacted Public Act 26-46 An Act Concerning Advanced Nuclear Energy, recognizing the importance of workforce development in supporting 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 is the fourth workshop under an informational process DEEP announced in 2025 to explore new nuclear energy capacity in Connecticut. The process is 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 policymakers about the opportunities and challenges associated with hosting new nuclear capacity in the state.
Advanced nuclear reactors including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), microreactors, fusion machines, and other advanced designs, are receiving national attention as potential sources of carbon-free electricity generation.
As states across the country explore advanced nuclear technologies to meet growing energy demand, workforce availability has emerged as a critical consideration for successful deployment. Connecticut is uniquely positioned to capitalize on these opportunities due to its existing nuclear workforce, nuclear maritime and manufacturing industries, higher education institutions, skilled trades programs, and long history supporting the nation’s commercial nuclear energy and naval nuclear propulsion sectors, according to DEEP.
“Advanced nuclear technologies have the potential to provide reliable, carbon-free energy while creating high-quality jobs and economic opportunities for Connecticut residents and businesses,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “This workshop will help inform policymakers, communities, educators, and industry leaders about the workforce challenges and investments that may be needed to support future advanced nuclear development while ensuring Connecticut remains competitive in this rapidly evolving sector.”
In addition to Jordan, featured speakers and panelists include:
- Sukesh Aghara, nuclear engineering chair at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and lead for the Massachusetts Nuclear Energy Roadmap
- Michael O’Connor, executive director of the Connecticut Port Authority and former vice president of Millstone Power Station
- James Sherrard, Connecticut State Community College – Three Rivers Campus, director of the nuclear technology program
- Jonah Stiger, construction sector operations business agent, Lodge 237, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers.
The informational workshop will be held as a virtual meeting via Zoom. To attend online, participants should register by July 21, 2026, here.
More information on this workshop 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.
More information on this workshop can be found on DEEP’s public notices website. Future workshop topics and logistical information will be posted on DEEP’s Public Notices website.
DEEP plans to build on the information and dialogue fostered through these informational workshops to develop and implement the Site Readiness Funding Program, according to the department.
