The Atlantic Council—in partnership with the Breakthrough Energy Foundation—is pleased to host the Atoms for Appalachia Meeting in Charleston, West Virginia. This private event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Charleston Marriott Town Center, 200 Lee Street East, Charleston, WV, 25301.
The Atoms for Appalachia Meeting will examine West Virginia’s potential as a first-mover state into advanced nuclear technologies and how their development could provide a range of future economic opportunities. The event aims to explore this potential, as well as discuss possible challenges to deploying advanced reactors.
The private workshop will provide an opportunity for local and state voices to strengthen existing nuclear energy initiatives and lay the groundwork for future collaboration throughout the region.
If you have any questions about this event, please don’t hesitate to contact Jasper Gilardi at jgilardi@atlanticcouncil.org.
Agenda
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 – 9:10 a.m. Welcome Remarks
Lauren Hughes, Deputy Director, Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, Atlantic Council Global Energy Center
9:10 – 9:15 a.m. Morning Keynotes
The Hon. Shelley Moore Capito, Senator (R-West Virginia), United States Senate (pre-recorded)
The Hon. Roger Hanshaw, Speaker of the House, West Virginia House of Delegates
9:15 – 9:45 a.m. Workshop I: The Drivers of West Virginia’s Industrial and Economic Development
The Hon. James Bailey, Member, Spilman Thomas and Battle, PLLC
Bryan Mabe, Deputy Director, West Virginia Office of Energy
Andrew Robinson, Regional Director, Business Development, BHE Renewables
Moderated by Lauren Hughes, Deputy Director, Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, Atlantic Council Global Energy Center
9:45 – 10:30 a.m. Workshop Discussion
Moderated by: Lauren Hughes, Deputy Director, Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, Atlantic Council Global Energy Center
10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Coffee Break
11:00 – 11:30 a.m. Workshop II: Exploring a Path for Advanced Nuclear Development
Emil Avram, Vice President, Business Development, Dominion Energy Virginia
Marc Mignault, Attorney, Bowles Rice LLP
Dan Stout, Managing Director, Advanced Nuclear Advisors
Michelle Zietlow-Miller, Public Engagement Manager, Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear, Idaho National Laboratory
Moderated by: Jasper Gilardi, Policy Advisor, Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, Atlantic Council Global Energy Center
11:30 – 12:15 p.m. Workshop Discussion
Moderated by: Jasper Gilardi, Policy Advisor, Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, Atlantic Council Global Energy Center
12:15 – 1:15 p.m. Lunch
1:15 – 1:45 p.m. Workshop III: Developing the Supply Chain and Fostering the Future Workforce
Jared Knight, Director, Growth and Commercial Development, Amsted Graphite Materials
Wes Stites, Dean, College of Science, Marshall University
Justin Williams, Director, Affiliated Construction Trades WV
Moderated by Lauren Hughes, Deputy Director, Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, Atlantic Council Global Energy Center
1:45 – 2:30 p.m. Workshop Discussion
Moderated by: Lauren Hughes, Deputy Director, Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, Atlantic Council Global Energy Center
2:30 – 2:55 p.m. Feedback Session
Moderated by: Lauren Hughes, Deputy Director, Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, Atlantic Council Global Energy Center
2:55 – 3:00 p.m. Closing Remarks
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Reception
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