TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS & WHAT TO KNOW THIS WEEK

JOIN ECA FOR OUR NEXT WEBINAR "CO-LOCATION OPTIONS WITH NUCLEAR STORAGE"

The next installment of ECA's Winter Webinar Series continues January 8 at 2:00pm ET with "Co-location Options with Nuclear Storage". 

As data centers and advanced fuel cycle facilities seek reliable, carbon-free power, new opportunities are emerging to co-locate these energy-intensive operations with nuclear generation and spent fuel storage sites. Such integration could strengthen grid resilience, reduce transmission losses, align high-demand digital infrastructure with established nuclear security and safety protocols and diversify economic opportunities for host communities and regions. Yet it also raises complex questions about regulatory frameworks, community acceptance, and long-term stewardship of nuclear materials. This webinar will bring together experts from the energy, technology, and policy sectors to explore how thoughtful colocation strategies can balance innovation, safety, and public trust in the next generation of nuclear infrastructure. 

Speakers will include:

Moderator - Jennifer Chandler - Council Member, Village of Piketon

Randy Hemann - City Manager, City of Oak Ridge

David Pointer - Director, Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, ORNL

Michele Sampson - Director, Division of New and Renewed Licenses, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, NRC

Dr. Jenifer Shafer - Associate Director for Technology and Program Director, ARPA-E

Please contact AJ Ridge, ECA Director of Programs, with any questions at ajr@energyca.org.

Click here for more information about upcoming events!

TOP DOE CHALLENGES - WASTE CLEANUP, PIT PRODUCTION, AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AT DOE & NNSA - DOE IG

Last week, the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) identified five (5) program areas where the DOE is facing the most challenges impacting program efficiency:

• Enterprise-Wide Challenges (Program Management and Human Capital)
• National Security (Plutonium Pit Production and Intellectual Property Theft)
• Domestic Challenges (Environmental Cleanup Waste Disposal and Infrastructure Grid Resilience)
• Technology and Innovation (Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence)
• Financial Assistance (Contract Oversight and Financial Assistance Program Oversight)

The OIG is required by statute to annually identify what it considers to be the most significant management challenges facing DOE. 

While the OIG noted significant challenges and deficiencies, it also identified actions that DOE has taken or is preparing to take to begin improving efficiency. Keep reading to learn more about the problems and progress relevant to ECA members that the OIG identified in Management Challenges at the Department of Energy — Fiscal Year 2026.  Below, ECA highlights NNSA, EM and human capital issues from the report. 

Enterprise-Wide Challenges

According to the OIG report, DOE is experiencing enterprise-wide challenges that are affecting NNSA and EM program efficiencies, including inefficient program management practices and concerns over workforce capacity and leadership quality. 

Program Management: In its report, the OIG identified inadequate project planning and management of NNSA’s Safety, Analytics, Forecasting, Evaluation, and Reporting system. For instance, NNSA did not develop key performance indicators to measure project success. In another example, a required Contractor Performance Assessment Report was not completed for the base year of the contract but was completed in subsequent years. Likewise, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has highlighted program management difficulties at NNSA in several reports, most notably in March of 2025: Reporting on Industrial Base Risks Needs Improvement. The OIG reiterated what GAO found in that report; that the NNSA does not clearly communicate what NNSA needs or what its priorities are for ensuring that the nation has a robust nuclear stockpile.

The OIG also found a significant lack of strong internal controls for the Paycheck Protection Program loans, specifically at the Hanford Site. If the Department does not effectively manage projects, it can lead to cost increases and schedule delays. The OIG suggested that DOE establish a clear focus on internal controls, risk assessments, and program performance plans to improve its program management and oversight.

Human Capital: The OIG report identified that DOE experienced a significant workforce reduction in 2025, with a decrease of more than 3,500 of the 15,705 Federal employees (a loss of more than 20%), due to the Deferred Resignation Programs, retirements, and other human resource actions. In addition, until October of 2025, DOE had been operating under a hiring freeze for 10 months. Prior to this reduction in force, GAO had already highlighted concerns about DOE’s aging workforce and workforce attrition, most recently in an April 2025 report Open Priority Recommendations: Department of Energy. 

Despite these challenges, the OIG identified three (3) Department-wide practices that DOE will be implementing to improve recruitment and development of its workforce going forward:

• DOE will increase operational efficiency by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to streamline recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee development.
• DOE has initiated a Senior Executive Service rotational pilot program aimed at developing leadership by providing diverse experiences across Department functions. 
• DOE is prioritizing mission-critical hiring to ensure key positions are filled that support mission priorities, complete with incentives for recruitment to critical positions. 

National Security – Plutonium Pit Production

NNSA is working to develop the capability to manufacture plutonium pits at the rate of at least 80 war reserve pits per year. Plutonium pits are crucial to maintaining the U.S. nuclear deterrent, a cornerstone of U.S. national security. To reach that capacity, NNSA implemented a 2-site solution to produce 30 pits per year at Los Alamos National Laboratory and 50 pits per year at the Savannah River Site (SRS). 

Schedule Concerns: According to the OIG report “NNSA has stated that its production requirement of 80 pits per year by 2030 is not achievable.” Difficulties in meeting this schedule are a focus of the OIG report. For example, in 2023, contractor Savannah River Nuclear Solutions’ (SRNS) identified that it had not been able to meet the Performance Measurement baseline for the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility (SRPPF). As of 2025, the SRPPF project has achieved a 60 percent design completion milestone, but further improvements to efficiency are necessary. To ensure NNSA can best meet its requirements, the OIG recommends that NNSA follow an integrated master schedule to limit disruptions and delays and strive to meet key design milestones.

Environmental Concerns: The Pit Production Program is also in violation of federal law, according to a U.S. District Court ruling that found that the NNSA had violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The ruling requires NNSA to conduct a new environmental review, complete a new nationwide Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, and issue a Record of Decision. OIG found that, until the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement is finalized, NNSA faces significant restrictions on pit production activities at the SRS. These include prohibitions on handling special nuclear material or installing classified equipment. The Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement process is scheduled to conclude with a Record of Decision by March 2027. 

Domestic Challenges

Environmental Cleanup & Waste Disposal: EM is currently responsible for approximately 90 million gallons of tank waste stored in underground tanks at the Hanford Site (Washington), SRS (South Carolina), and the Idaho National Laboratory Site (Idaho). In addition to environmental risks, the waste represents a significant financial liability of approximately $545 billion, according to DOE’s FY 2024 Agency Financial Report.

The OIG found that EM had not adequately supported the environmental liability estimate with valid cost estimates, schedules, and assumptions. For example, at one EM site, an inadequate field site management review led to a $1.8 billion overstatement of the liability. GAO reviewed similar issues in May of 2025, in a report titled: An Integrated Disposal Plan Could Help DOE Complete Its Cleanup Mission and Save Billions. GAO found that EM's waste estimates included significant uncertainties and were not uniformly prepared. For example, waste amounts could vary depending on the future cleanup approaches selected. GAO recommended DOE develop a comprehensive plan for waste disposal, which would save billions in costs and help DOE communicate with regulators who oversee disposal facilities.

In their report, the OIG recommends that DOE complete startup and commissioning of the facilities involved in processing low activity waste, and identify and develop technically achievable, cost-effective, and viable approaches to treat the high-activity waste at Hanford and prepare for disposition. The OIG also suggested that DOE practice continued improvement and effective management at SRS and INL. The OIG highlighted many milestones that EM has achieved throughout 2025 to achieve these goals, including: 

• Hot commissioning of the Hanford Low Activity Waste on October 15, 2025. Hanford’s Tank Side Cesium Removal System has staged over 800,000 gallons of low activity waste to send to the facility.
• DOE, the Washington State Department of Ecology, and the U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency finalized an agreement that outlines a course for cleaning up millions of gallons of waste from tanks at Hanford.
• In June 2025, SRS’ Defense Waste Processing Facility was authorized to increase curie loading rates to decrease the number of canisters. To date, SRS has processed about 11.8 million gallons of salt waste. 
• The Idaho Integrated Waste Treatment Unit, designed to treat about 900,000 gallons of liquid waste held in three tanks, treated 279,000 gallons and achieved “cease- use” on one of the tanks in March of 2025.

Infrastructure Grid Resilience: The OIG reiterated its recommendations for DOE to boost grid resilience and build out grid infrastructure, highlighting findings from the 2023 National Transmission Needs Study. The OIG, among many other organizations, posit that aging infrastructure and changing sources of power generation will pose potential grid reliability risks. Such risks would hamper the development of new power generation, including nuclear. The OIG recommended that the Grid Deployment Office establish adequate internal controls to administer the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships Program to improve its ability to identify and address program performance issues.

Technology and Innovation - Artificial Intelligence

The OIG approved of DOE’s progress in AI implementation, noting that DOE is deploying AI to model energy systems, automate permitting (PermitAI), enhance grid stability, and secure critical infrastructure via platforms like Lantern at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The report also highlighted DOE’s selection of 16 DOE sites in April of 2025 to consider for co-location with high-performance computing assets. 

To mitigate the potential risks of AI implementation, the OIG recommended that DOE develop common standards and promote of best practices to encourage consistent and effective AI implementation. The OIG also recommended that DOE establish a comprehensive governance framework to guide the development and deployment of the new technologies developed by the National Laboratories and the Department.

Financial Assistance - Contract Oversight

In 2009, GAO narrowed the scope of DOE’s high-risk designation to contracts exclusively associated with EM and the NNSA. In 2013, this scope was further narrowed down to projects and contracts valued at $750 million or more within DOE and NNSA. 

The OIG found that contract management and oversight issues persist within DOE and the NNSA. As previously stated, the OIG found that EM had not adequately supported the environmental liability estimate with valid cost estimates, schedules, and assumptions, exemplified by an inadequate field site management review that led to a $1.8 billion overstatement of the liability.  Furthermore, the OIG found that the Office of Nuclear Energy constrained competition throughout the pre-award and award phases for the High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) Demonstration Project and ultimately awarded a sole-source contract to a contractor with financial risks and questionable viability at the time. 

However, the OIG acknowledged that over recent years, the NNSA improved its insight into sustainment decisions for subcontract costs, the process of reviewing subcontract costs, and the classification of subcontracts, including the handling of subcontracts at Sandia National Laboratories, a previous problem area. However, the OIG stated that additional improvements remain to be implemented. 

To read the OIG’s full report on DOE, click here.

DOE AWARDS $2.7B FOR DOMESTIC URANIUM ENRICHMENT

DOE announced Monday it is awarding $2.7 billion to three companies for domestic uranium enrichment services over the next decade, a key step in reducing reliance on foreign nuclear fuel.

The funding lands as part of a broader effort to create a domestic supply chain and eliminate reliance on Russia. The investment would help expand U.S. capacity for low-enriched uranium for current traditional reactors, as well as support new supply chains for the high-assay low-enriched uranium required for most U.S. advanced reactors.

The funding builds on previous signed contracts with companies for uranium enrichment. Three of those companies — American Centrifuge Operating, General Matter and Orano Federal Services — would receive $900 million each through task order awards, the department announced Monday.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a statement that Monday's announcement shows the administration's commitment to "restoring a secure domestic nuclear fuel supply chain capable of producing the nuclear fuels needed to power the reactors of today and the advanced reactors of tomorrow."

HOUSE ENERGY SUBCOMMITTEE TO HOLD HEARING TITLED AMERICAN ENERGY DOMINANCE: DAWN OF TH ENEW NUCLEAR ERA

Subcommittee on Energy hearing to discuss the licensing, deployment, and implementation of recently enacted federal laws and administration policies in nuclear energy on Wednesday, January 7 at 10:15am EST. 

ECA NEW NUCLEAR FORUM TO BE HOSTED IN AUGUSTA, GA FROM APRIL 21-23, 2026

Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) is pleased to host the fifth annual ECA Forum in Augusta, GA from April 21 - April 23, 2026. The meeting is part of ECA’s ongoing New Nuclear Initiative to define the role of local governments in supporting the development of the new nuclear technologies.

April 21 | Registration Opens & Nuclear 101

April 22 | Full Day General Session

April 23 | Half-Day General Session

The ECA Forum is the only meeting designed to bring together DOE, federal, state, local and tribal governments and policymakers with developers, utilities, regulators, industry, and academia to identify opportunities, challenges and to build the partnerships necessary to support nuclear development. Stay tuned for further details on registration, agenda, and more!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The ECA Forum is open to communities, State, Tribal and local policymakers, industry, utilities, developers, experts, financiers, state legislators, community groups, and economic development organizations working to build capacity and support for new nuclear development in the U.S.

AGENDA:
Agenda coming soon!

ECA is working with private and community partners to develop an agenda that takes a comprehensive look at what new nuclear projects require - from the front-end to the back-end of the fuel cycle to aligning support at local, state and federal levels. The Forum will explore emerging options for enabling legislation, public-private partnerships and regulatory oversight.

WHAT YOU'VE MISSED:

Nano Nuclear, UIUC extend collaboration on Kronos MMR

New York City–based Nano Nuclear Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, on behalf of the University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign, to collaborate on the development, construction, and operation of the company’s Kronos MMR (micro modular reactor) as an on-campus research reactor. The new MOU represents the latest aspect of Nano Nuclear’s partnership on the Kronos MMR project with the university, which includes state funding for a manufacturing and research center, to be located in the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook.

Read the full story

New York, Ontario team up for nuclear
An agreement between Ontario Power Generation and the New York Power Authority establishes a framework for collaboration on the development of advanced nuclear energy technologies, while the leaders of New York and Ontario have signed a declaration of intent on cooperation to work together to advance the development of nuclear power.

Read the full story

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Co-location Options with Nuclear Storage - ECA Winter Webinar Series

Virtual | January 8, 2026

Learn More Here

Siting Options for High Level Waste and Used Nuclear Fuel - ECA Winter Webinar Series

Virtual | February 12, 2026

Learn More Here

Spent Fuel Storage and Advanced Fuel Cycle Facilities: Co-location for Safety and Sustainability - ECA Winter Webinar Series

Virtual | March 5, 2026

Learn More Here

ECA New Nuclear Forum 2026

Augusta, GA | April 21 - 23

Learn More Here

National Cleanup Workshop 2026

Arlington, VA | September 14-16

Learn More Here

 ECA Winter Series: Advancing New Nuclear with Datacenter Development

December 8, 2025

As artificial intelligence and cloud computing drive exponential growth in electricity demand, data center developers are turning to nuclear energy for reliable, carbon-free power needed to operate continuously. This session explores the concerns local officials must address when co-locating data centers with existing or new nuclear generation. Speakers will discuss regulatory considerations, what makes an “ideal” site, community engagement, and partnership models that align digital infrastructure expansion with public safety and sustainability goals.

Moderator: AJ Ridge - Director of Programs, ECA

Iain Macdonald - Principal and Future Energy Systems Development Lead, HKS

Ilissa Miller - Editor-in-Chief, DataCenter Post

David Reeploeg - Executive Director, Hanford Communities

Peter Rodrik - Associate Administrator for Partnership and Acquisition Services, NNSA

Aditi Verma - Assistant Professor, University of Michigan

View the full webinar recording here! 

ECA Winter Series: Creating Emergency Response Planning for Nuclear Storage Projects

November 6, 2025

Advanced nuclear projects are moving toward construction, and local governments play a frontline role in ensuring that emergency preparedness and management systems keep pace with development. City and county officials oversee first responders, coordinate public safety communications, and maintain the trust of residents who live and work near project sites. This webinar will highlight how mayors, emergency managers, and developers collaborate to build readiness from day one—through joint planning, drills, and transparent communication. Participants will gain insight into best practices for integrating project-specific safety requirements into local emergency operations and for sustaining preparedness over the full lifecycle of a nuclear facility.

Speakers include:

Moderator: Laura Hermann - Deputy Executive Director, Energy Communities Alliance

Chief Mike Cochran - Police Chief, City of Craig, Colorado

Lea Perlas - Fusion Program Director, Virginia Department of Health

Randall Ryti - Councilor, Los Alamos County, New Mexico

Brian Scroggins - Administrator of the Division of Planning, Nevada Agency for Nuclear Projects

View the full webinar recording here! 

ECA Summer Series: Investing in Innovation: Financing Advanced Nuclear Projects

September 12, 2025

Wall Street has arrived to Main Street. Understanding financing pathways is no longer optional—it’s a prerequisite for informed local leadership and successful project development. Join ECA in its upcoming webinar featuring panelists shaping financing solutions for new generation of nuclear projects. Learn about the new business models emerging and how the financing will occur. Nuclear projects will only move forward if they are financeable. While government funding has played a vital role, the new generation of projects are looking at how to structure the “capital stack” and use a mix of private financing (debt and equity), tax credits, and DOE loan program. In addition, the announced Power Purchase Agreements between utilities and large off-taker such as Google, Meta and Amazon are providing the credit needed to attract financing – once the projects are ready for market. Join a conversation that will bring together government and the private sector to discuss these items and make recommendations on how these projects can move forward to facilitate these exciting business opportunities. This means real opportunities to attract capital, create jobs, and leverage nuclear projects for broader economic development.

Speakers include experts shaping the future of nuclear finance:

Facilitator: Seth Kirshenberg - Executive Director | Energy Communities Alliance and Partner, Kutak Rock LLP

Andy Roehr - Managing Director | Baker Tilly Advisory Group, LP

Anthony Huston - Managing Partner | Quadrant Nuclear Industries

Chris Lohse - Innovation and Technology Manager | Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear

View the full webinar recording here!