Opportunities and Challenges of Small Modular Nuclear Reactor Development

The Southeast has been a historical leader in nuclear energy, but as traditional nuclear plants face rising costs and approach the end of their operational lives, a shift toward more flexible and cost-effective solutions like SMRs is becoming essential. This event will examine the potential of SMR technology to meet the region’s energy needs, while addressing the technical, economic, and regulatory challenges that must be overcome. Hear from thought leaders as they discuss how SMRs could play a vital role in the Southeast’s clean energy future.

This event is limited-capacity and in person only. Please register only if you can firmly commit to attending. If your plans change, please cancel your registration to allow others on the waitlist to attend.

This event is part of the ninth annual Energy Week at Duke (Nov. 11-15), organized by dozens of students from degree programs across Duke. Learn more about other Energy Week events that might interest you: energyweekatduke.org.

Featured Speakers:

Alireza Haghighat is the Robert E. Hord Jr. Endowed Professor of Nuclear Engineering at Virginia Tech. He is the director of the nuclear engineering program and specializes in advanced particle transport methods, reactor analysis, and simulation technologies. Haghighat has developed several innovative computational tools for nuclear applications, authored a widely used textbook, and holds multiple patents. He has received numerous awards, including the 2023 Gerard Pomraning Memorial Award, and is a Fellow of the American Nuclear Society. He earned his Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from the University of Washington. 

Adam Lenarz is the VP of Development for Last Energy, a full-service developer of micro modular nuclear power plants headquartered in Washington, D.C.. Lenarz holds a B.A. in government from Georgetown University, an M.A. in international economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins, and an M.B.A. from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He is an energy transition leader with global experience across North America, Africa, Europe, and Australasia. 

Rounette Nader is the Director of License Renewal and Decommissioning at Duke Energy, managing nuclear license renewals and decommissioning strategies. She has held roles in engineering, nuclear plant development, business strategy, and policy throughout her career. Nader holds a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from the University of South Carolina and is a registered Professional Engineer. 

Moderator: Chris Wedding is a seasoned entrepreneur, professor, and investor with a background in climate tech and sustainability. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, focusing on sustainable business, green building, and environmental science, and a B.S. in environmental science from Western Kentucky University. He founded Entrepreneurs for Impact and serves as executive in residence at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Wedding has experience in private equity, previously served as a rainforest researcher, and currently sits on several advisory boards related to climate solutions. 

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