The Honorable Lucian Niemeyer, a leading voice in the policymaking community for advanced nuclear capabilities, discusses the work of the United Coalition for Advanced Nuclear Power (UCAN Power), a non-profit entity since 2021, in promoting advanced nuclear reactor deployment. He emphasizes the importance of nuclear power for grid reliability and carbon reduction. Niemeyer also highlights the need to develop a strong civilian nuclear workforce to support national defense and restore the nuclear industrial base. He discusses the potential of microreactors for powering military installations and the importance of accelerating the regulatory process for advanced nuclear technology. He calls for prioritizing grid reliability and restoring US global leadership in nuclear power.

Lucian’s national security expertise spans five decades as an Air Force and the Air National Guard Officer, Professional Staff Member on the Senate Armed Service Committee, and in the Pentagon and White House. Throughout his professional career, he has been a strong advocate for the use of clean, safe advanced nuclear power to enhance energy reliability and resiliency.

Niemeyer previously was appointed by the President and served as an Assistant Secretary of Defense managing the world’s largest real property portfolio valued at a trillion dollars. He was responsible for identifying and mitigating risk to national security programs, as well as improving energy and environmental resilience through alternate power generation development and investments in the protection of natural resources. During this time, he worked extensively with the Departments of Energy and Interior to balance the need for energy independence with the sustainment of national military capabilities.

He also served on the professional staff of the United States Senate Committee on Armed Service from 2003 to 2014 providing expertise and counsel on policies and programs for the energy programs supporting our Nation’s security.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of UCAN Power

04:00 The Role of Nuclear Power in the Nuclear Triad

07:59 The Importance of a Strong Civilian Nuclear Workforce

13:45 The Use of Microreactors for Military Installations

17:45 Grid Reliability and the Need for Nuclear Power

25:07 Energy Priorities for the Next Administration

28:59 Bringing Advanced Nuclear Technology to the Nation

33:10 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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