Open-press event will feature French Embassy nuclear counsellor Sunil Felix, U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann, Congressional Energy Engagement CEO Michelle Amante-Harstine and others

Fresh off the launch of its highly anticipated nuclear engineering degree program – only the second such field of study offered in the state – Tennessee Tech University is now set to host the inaugural “World Nuclear Forum – Excellence Through Collaboration Nation by Nation” Oct. 15, 2024, with an opening reception scheduled for the prior evening.

The free event will bring together global leaders, innovators and experts in the nuclear energy sector, offering a unique platform to foster international collaboration in advancing nuclear energy technology. 

Each year, the forum will focus on a particular country, highlighting its nuclear advancements and contributions to global energy solutions. This year, event organizers will put the spotlight on France, a country renowned for its leadership in nuclear technology. Sunil Felix, Ph.D., nuclear counsellor at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C., will deliver the keynote address. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into France’s innovations, with particular emphasis on the nuclear fuel cycle, a crucial topic as the world seeks sustainable energy solutions amid limited uranium resources. 

The World Nuclear Forum is moderated by Michelle Amante-Harstine, CEO of Congressional Energy Engagement. Drawing on her extensive nuclear energy experience in Washington, DC as senior advisor in the U.S. Dept. of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy and in Tennessee as a member of Governor Lee’s TN Nuclear Energy Advisory Council, she has engaged high-level international guests. Amante-Harstine has been key in Tennessee Tech’s expanding role in nuclear energy, helping the university connect with important entities and playing a pivotal role in the decision to relaunch its nuclear engineering program.

“It’s a privilege to continue to contribute to Tech’s renewed commitment to nuclear engineering,” said Amante-Harstine. “This forum is an incredible opportunity to unite several global leaders to explore nuclear energy’s future and innovations for secure, sustainable energy important to our nation and to the world. With France as a special focus of the 2024 Forum, we are privileged to have Dr. Sunil Felix with us throughout the forum and delivering the keynote address, highlighting Franco-American collaboration in nuclear security and sustainability.”

Felix said, “I am honored to participate in the inaugural World Nuclear Forum at Tennessee Tech University, an event that illustrates the pivotal role the state of Tennessee plays in promoting nuclear energy as a major contributor to address the challenges the 21st century is faced with, namely global warming and energy security concerns.”

“This forum also highlights the critical role the state of Tennessee plays in fostering international collaboration in the advancement of nuclear technology,” he continued. “During this event, France, as a global leader in nuclear energy, will bring its valuable experience, with a special focus on its nuclear fuel cycle policy, aimed at contributing to the sustainability of the nuclear option.”

The 2024 World Nuclear Forum will include a series of featured speakers, expert panel discussions, and interactive sessions. Attendees will engage on topics such as nuclear sustainability, international collaboration and workforce development. The event will culminate with a distinguished guest luncheon, with keynote speakers such as Dr. Stephen Streiffer, director of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, providing further opportunities for building key relationships.

Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, who represents Tennessee’s 3rd District – including Oak Ridge National Laboratory – and serves as chair of the House Committee on Appropriations’ Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies, will also deliver remarks. 

“Tennessee is leading the way to create America’s and the world’s new nuclear future. It is essential that we do not slow down on the phenomenal strides Tennessee has made to make our state the leader for new nuclear in America and worldwide,” said Fleischmann. 

“Tennessee Tech’s first annual World Nuclear Forum combined with its new nuclear engineering degree program shows that Tennessee Tech and our state’s exemplary higher education system are committed to training and educating the next generation of nuclear engineers, scientists and researchers that will be crucial to advancing new nuclear in the decades to come,” the Congressman continued. “I strongly applaud Tennessee Tech’s visionary leadership and will continue to support them in their endeavors to continue making Tennessee the premier place in the world for our nuclear renaissance.” 

With nuclear energy gaining momentum as a critical solution to global energy security concerns and challenges, the forum will also focus on ensuring the sustainability of nuclear energy. The event will explore innovative approaches to nuclear fuel cycles and highlight the importance of Franco-American collaboration. Experts will discuss strategies for optimizing uranium usage and securing the future of nuclear technology for generations to come.

Across campus on the same day as the forum, Tech will also host the grand opening of its new 100,000-square-foot Ashraf Islam Engineering Building. This state-of-the-art facility, named for Tech alumnus and generous donor Ashraf Islam, will serve as a hub for advanced engineering research and education. Attendees are invited to participate in self-guided tours following the opening ceremony. The university will share additional details about the grand opening event in a separate communication.

The World Nuclear Forum is an open-press event. For more information, including registration details, visit www.tntech.edu/nuclearforum.

Photo courtesy of Tennessee Tech.

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