The Atlantic Council—in partnership with the Breakthrough Energy Foundation—is pleased to host the Atoms for Appalachia Meeting in Lexington, Kentucky. This private event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at The Manchester, 941 Manchester St, Lexington, KY 40508.
The Atoms for Appalachia Meeting will examine Kentucky’s potential as a first-mover state into advanced nuclear energy and how the development of advanced reactor technologies could provide a range of future state-based 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 Amy Drake at adrake@atlanticcouncil.org.
Agenda
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 – 9:05 a.m. Welcome Remarks
Lauren Hughes, Deputy Director, Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, Atlantic Council Global Energy Center
9:05 – 9:15 a.m. Keynote Remarks
The Hon. Rebecca Goodman, Secretary, Energy and Environment Cabinet, Office of the Governor, Commonwealth of Kentucky
9:15 – 9:45 a.m. Workshop I: The Drivers of Kentucky’s Industrial and Economic Development
The Hon. Angie Hatton, Chair, Kentucky Public Service Commission
Frank Jemley III, President and Chief Executive Officer, Kentucky Association of Manufacturers
Ashli Watts, President and Chief Executive Officer, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
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 – 11:20 a.m. Fireside Chat: The Nuclear Energy Ecosystem in Kentucky
Rodney Andrews, Director, Center for Applied Energy Research, University of Kentucky; Executive Director, Kentucky Nuclear Energy Authority
Kenya Stump, Executive Director, Kentucky Office of Energy Policy, Commonwealth of Kentucky
Moderated by: Lauren Hughes, Deputy Director, Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, Atlantic Council Global Energy Center
11:20 – 11:50 p.m. Workshop II: Exploring a Path to Advanced Nuclear Energy Development
Virginia Gray, State Director for Kentucky, Tennessee Valley Authority
Scott Steuer, Project Director, Global Laser Enrichment
Sandra Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Paducah Chamber of Commerce
Moderated by Lauren Hughes, Deputy Director, Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, Atlantic Council Global Energy Center
11:50 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Workshop Discussion
Moderated by: Lauren Hughes, Deputy Director, Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, Atlantic Council Global Energy Center
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 – 2:00 p.m. Workshop III: Developing the Future Workforce and Supply Chain
Brandon Combs, Project Manager Workforce Specialist, Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development
Zach Morgan, Director of Workforce Development, Kentucky Association of Manufacturers
Moderated by Lauren Hughes, Deputy Director, Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, Atlantic Council Global Energy Center
2:00 – 2:45 p.m. Workshop Discussion
Moderated by: Lauren Hughes, Deputy Director, Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, Atlantic Council Global Energy Center
2:45 – 3:00 p.m. Feedback Session & Closing Remarks
Moderated by: Lauren Hughes, Deputy Director, Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, Atlantic Council Global Energy Center
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Reception
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