Title: Perspectives on the future of nuclear power in the United States

Abstract: Currently there are dozens of Light Water Reactors (LWRs) under construction around the world. Most experts expect LWR technology to be the primary source of nuclear power well into the latter half of this century. At the same time there continues to be strong interest in moving to more advanced LWR technology (such as Small Modular Reactors) and Generation IV systems. The presentation will provide perspectives on the future of nuclear power in the United States and how the integration of LWR technology and Gen IV technology can lead to sustainable nuclear power.

Bio: Dr. John E. Kelly is the President of the American Nuclear Society. He retired from the U.S. Department of Energy at the end of 2017. At DOE, he was the Chief Technology Officer in the Office of Nuclear Energy. He was responsible for establishing the strategic technical direction for the research, development, demonstration, and deployment portfolios. Prior to assuming the duties of Chief Technology Officer, he was the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactor Technologies. He was responsible for the civilian nuclear reactor research and development portfolio, which included programs on Small Modular Reactors, Light Water Reactors, Generation IV reactors, and Radioisotope Power Systems for space exploration. In the international arena, he chaired the Generation IV International Forum and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Standing Advisory Group on Nuclear Energy. Prior to joining the Department of Energy in 2010, Dr. Kelly spent 30 years at Sandia National Laboratories where he was engaged in a broad spectrum of research programs in nuclear reactor safety, advanced nuclear energy technology, and national security. Dr. Kelly received his B.S. degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Michigan in 1976 and his Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1980.