08/25/2026
Office of Governor Ned Lamont Announces Connecticut and Other New England States To Host Regional Nuclear Summit
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the State of Connecticut is joining its neighbor New England states—including Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont to host a regional policy summit that will explore the potential role of advanced nuclear technologies in the region’s evolving energy system.
This one-day summit—the 2026 New England Regional Nuclear Policy Summit—will bring together public and private sector experts to examine the potential for advanced nuclear technologies to support long-term energy affordability, grid reliability, economic competitiveness, and zero carbon energy, while addressing key considerations surrounding safety, regulatory oversight, community engagement, and public trust.
It will be held at the University of Massachusetts Lowell Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy in Lowell, Massachusetts, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The number of seats available to attend in-person is limited, however there is also an option to attend virtually.
“Connecticut has been a leader in U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy nuclear energy as part of our state’s all-of-the-above approach to delivering affordable, reliable, and clean energy for Connecticut ratepayers,” Governor Lamont said. “As we work to meet New England’s growing energy needs and make energy more affordable, this summit is an opportunity for stakeholders and communities across the region to learn more about the potential for new advanced nuclear technologies to contribute to our grid.”
The summit fulfills a directive made by the New England governors earlier this year in a joint statement calling for the continued safe, affordable, and reliable operation of the region’s existing nuclear power plants and exploration of advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies. The governors directed state energy offices to host a regional convening to share information and solicit input from the public and regional stakeholders. Leadership from the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) will participate in the summit to represent Connecticut in the discussions.
“In recent months, Connecticut has hosted a series of public workshops to explore advanced nuclear energy technologies, their opportunities, and their challenges, with the Connecticut public,” DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino said. “DEEP is committed to continuing this open dialogue with Connecticut communities and our New England sister states to explore the potential role of advanced nuclear technologies in helping meet our region’s clean energy needs safely, reliably, and affordably.”
Connecticut boasts a large, educated, and experienced nuclear workforce as home of the Dominion Energy Millstone Nuclear Power Station, the U.S. Navy Submarine base safely operating nuclear powered vessels, and General Dynamics Electric Boat, which is leading the modular construction of advanced nuclear submarines. Recognizing the benefits of clean, baseload nuclear power to Connecticut and the region, Connecticut has existing contracts to purchase energy from New England’s two operating nuclear power plants, Millstone, and New Hampshire’s Seabrook Station, which has helped ensure the facilities remain operational while providing hundreds of millions of dollars in affordability benefits to Connecticut ratepayers to date.
In 2025, Governor Lamont and the Connecticut General Assembly further cemented Connecticut’s nuclear leadership by enacting Public Act 25-173, which creates a clear, community-driven pathway for advanced nuclear energy development. The law empowers municipalities to “opt in” to hosting advanced nuclear facilities through local approval, while also reaffirming the potential for new advanced nuclear generation at the Millstone site. It also directs DEEP to establish an Advanced Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Funding Program, backed by $5 million in bond authorizations, to support early planning, technical analysis, and community engagement.
Building on this direction, DEEP launched a statewide public engagement effort in December 2025 to inform community leaders and residents, gather input, and shape design of the Advanced Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Funding Program, which DEEP plans to launch in the coming months. The agency has already convened four public workshops with additional sessions planned for fall 2026, underscoring Connecticut’s commitment to transparency, local decision-making, and leadership in exploring next-generation reliable, carbon-free nuclear energy.
In addition, Governor Lamont and the Connecticut General Assembly this year enacted Public Act 26-46, recognizing the importance of workforce development in supporting advanced nuclear technologies and directing the Connecticut Council for Advancing Nuclear Energy Development to study workforce needs, educational pathways, and strategies to ensure Connecticut has the skilled workforce necessary to support future nuclear energy development.
Today, the Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants supply energy meeting approximately 20% to 25% of New England’s power needs each year. With electricity demand growing, there is significant interest in exploring advanced nuclear technologies and fusion power plants.
The New England states are working together, with support from the National Governors Association, to explore potential investment models for the deployment of advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies in the region.
“Massachusetts is taking an all-of-the-above approach to energy because families and businesses need more affordable, reliable power,” Governor Maura Healey said. “New England is home to some of the brightest minds and most innovative companies in the world, including leaders in advanced nuclear and fusion. This summit is about bringing people together, looking seriously at these technologies and how they can help lower bills, and making sure our region is prepared to lead as our energy needs grow.”
“Rhode Islanders deserve energy that is affordable, reliable and secure,” Governor Dan McKee said. “My administration is working to expand our energy supply and lower costs by pursuing new sources of power, including nuclear energy and advanced nuclear technologies. My administration looks forward to working with our New England partners to advance that goal.”
