ECA & DOE HOST THURSDAY WEBINAR ON SWISS DEEP GEOLOGICAL REPOSITORY SITING PROGRAM – SUCCESS FACTORS
On May 8, 2025, from 11:00 - 12:30pm ET, a webinar hosted jointly by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Department of Nuclear Energy, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy, and the Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) will provide an informative overview on the Swiss Deep Geological Repository Siting Programme - Success Factors.
This webinar will be delivered by senior staff of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (BFE), the government agency responsible for the site selection procedure including regional participation; of Nagra, the organization responsible for the final disposal
of radioactive waste and spent fuel in Switzerland; as well as by the Co-President of the regional conference Nördlich Lägern. It is the fourth in a series of webinars informing on the Global Progress Towards Sustainable Endpoint Solutions
for High-level Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel.
The webinar will last 1.5 hours, is open to the public, and provides opportunities for audience engagement and Q&A through a webinar chat.
Speakers - Pascale Kuenzi (Regional Participation Specialist, BFE, Switzerland)
- Tim Vietor (Head Repository Safety and Inventory, Nagra, Switzerland)
- Philipp Senn (Head of Communication and Public Affairs, Nagra, Switzerland)
- Christopher Müller (Co-President of the Regional Conference Nördlich Lägern, Switzerland)
Agenda - “Fundamentals, Success Factors and Challenges” (Pascale Künzi, BFE)
- “Dos and Don'ts during field investigations for nuclear waste repositories in Switzerland.” (Tim Vietor, Nagra)
- “From Participation to Public Discourse: Communication Strategies and Examples along the Siting Process” (Philipp Senn, Nagra)
- "From Consultation to Collaboration: A Regional Perspective
on Trust and Participation" (Christopher Müller, Regional Conference Nördlich Lägern)
Moderators - Marla Morales - Director, Office of Consent-Based Siting, US DOE/Office of Nuclear Energy, USA
- Seth Kirshenberg – Executive Director, ECA, USA
- Stefan Mayer – Team Leader, Radioactive Waste Disposal, IAEA
HEARINGS ON DOE BUDGET AND NNSA PROGRAMS TO BE HELD TOMORROW, MAY 7
Secretary Wright to Testify at House Appropriations Hearing on the DOE Budget Request With the unveiling of President Donald Trump's Discretionary Budget Request by the Administration last week, the House Committee on Appropriations is holding a series of budget hearings on the fiscal year 2026 (FY2026) budget. This includes a budget hearing on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on Wednesday, May 7, at 10:00am ET. DOE Secretary Chris Wright is expected to appear before the Committee as a witness. To view the hearing, click here. Acting NNSA Administrator to Testify on NNSA U.S. Nuclear Weapon and
Warhead Modernization The House Armed Services Committee will also hold a hearing on May 7, at 3:00pm ET, regarding Nuclear Forces and Atomic Energy Defense Activities Programmatic
Updates. The purpose of this hearing is to receive testimony on the U.S. nuclear weapon and warhead modernization and sustainment plans, as well as the Administration’s nuclear policy and programmatic priorities. Acting Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Teresa
Robbins, will appear before the committee as a witness. To view the hearing, click here.
JOIN ECA MAY 22 FOR A WEBINAR - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: AI INFRASTRUCTURE ON DOE SITES
On April 3, 2025, the Secretary of Energy announced DOE’s Data Center and AI Infrastructure Development initiative where DOE will lease some of its underutilized land for Data Center and AI Infrastructure Development including energy projects. “DOE is considering opportunities to utilize these assets in a manner that enhances the United States’ leading position in AI and benefits
local economies.” For more information, find the request for information (RFI) by clicking here!
DEADLINE TOMORROW: SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSE TO DOE'S RFI FOR AI INFRASTRUCTURE ON DOE LANDS
Tomorrow, May 7, is the deadline to submit a response to the The Department of Energy's (DOE) request for information (RFI) to inform possible use of DOE land for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure development in order to support growing demand for data centers. DOE has identified 16 potential sites uniquely positioned for rapid data center construction, including in-place energy infrastructure with the ability to fast-track permitting for new energy generation, including nuclear, with a target of commencing operation by the end of 2027. DOE is seeking input from data center developers, energy developers, Tribes, States, local governments, local communities, universities, businesses, utilities, and the broader public to further advance this partnership. Please note that any and all interested communities, not just communities neighboring the 16 sites listed, are eligible to respond to the RFI, and all communities are encouraged
to provide their unique perspective and to respond to the RFI in creative ways. The next step for DOE will be to put out a competitive public solicitation. Once again, all communities interested, whether they are specifically listed on future RFIs and solicitations or not, are encouraged to submit responses. Responses to the RFI are due tomorrow, on Wednesday, May 7. To submit a response and see more information, view the listing on the Federal Register here! Responses and questions should be submitted electronically to aiinfrastructure@hq.doe.gov and include “Data Center RFI Response” in the subject line of the email.
September 23 - 25, 2025 | Crystal Gateway
Marriott | Arlington, VA
Hosted by ECA with the cooperation of the Energy Facility Contractors Group and DOE-EM, the workshop brings together senior DOE executives, officials from DOE sites, industry leaders, local elected officials,
contractors and community stakeholders to discuss EM’s progress to address the environmental legacy of the Manhattan Project and Cold War-era U.S. nuclear weapons program. Hear from senior DOE leaders, local government officials, and industry leaders about DOE's cleanup priorities, the future of the workforce, and more.
The National Cleanup Workshop is hosted by the Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) with the cooperation of the Energy Facility Contractors Group (EFCOG) and the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM)*.
GoneFission Nuclear Report - Centrus: American-Made Uranium Enrichment Apr. 21, 2025 | S5 E1 The Gone Fission Nuclear Report launches Season 5 with a new episode featuring a discussion with Amir Vexler, President and CEO of Centrus Energy Group. Centrus is playing a vital role in the nuclear renaissance with its manufacturing of uranium enrichment centrifuges in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and operation of the American Centrifuge
Plant in Piketon, Ohio. The size of the Pentagon, the plant is pioneering the development of High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU), expected to be a crucial fuel fuel component for both existing reactors and a new generation of advanced reactors. Welcome to Season 5. https://gonefissionpodcast.com/ NucleCast - Dr. Satoru Nagao - The Quad Alliance: Japan's Counter to China Apr. 29, 2025 | S02 E216 Dr. Satoru Nagao discusses Japan's strategic views on the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in relation to China and the United States. The conversation explores Japan's concerns about China's growing influence, the importance of the Quad alliance, and the potential for Japan to consider nuclear
capabilities in response to regional threats. Dr. Nagao emphasizes Japan's commitment to the US alliance while navigating complex relationships with neighboring countries, including South Korea and India. https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/
Spring into Strategy: Radiation Messaging and Outreach - Organized by NNSA Office of Nuclear Incident Policy & Cooperation Virtual | Multiple Dates Register Here Swiss Deep Geological Repository Siting Programme – Success Factors Virtual | May 8, 11:00am ET Register Here ECA Webinar - What You Need to Know: AI Infrastructure on DOE Sites Virtual | May 22, 2:00pm ET Register Here Spent Fuel Solutions Webinar Virtual | May 22, 5:00pm ET RSVP Here National Cleanup Workshop 2025 Arlington, VA | September 23 - 25 Learn More Here
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