Science at the Edge: Next Generation Nuclear

April 29, 2026

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Nuclear energy is back in the conversation. A new state-of-the-art reactor just broke ground in Wyoming. Colorado has added nuclear to its options for meeting its emissions goals. And a new generation of nuclear technology promises safer, cleaner, and more flexible power that can operate in more places. But economic, regulatory, and waste disposal are still hurdles for the new wave of nuclear power.  

In a new webinar in our Science at the Edge series, we speak to Jessica Lovering, Senior Fellow at the Nuclear Innovation Alliance, and Christine King, Director of the Gateway for Acceleration in Nuclear initiative (GAIN) at Idaho National Laboratory, about what makes this next generation of nuclear technology different, what is still unknown, and what it means for our energy future in Colorado and beyond.

Resources

Nuclear Energy Primer video

GAIN Community Engagement resources

State laws passed and proposed related to nuclear energy.

The Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative (NCEI). This includes the Colorado-specific study on the Craig coal station transition.

Communities Local Energy Action Program Study: Colorado, Montana, and Utah Nuclear and Data Center Feasibility Study and Business Case. GAIN partnered with communities to assess the feasibility of leveraging data centers to support and enable nuclear deployment. Each community has operating coal power generation assets and residents that support coal plant operations. 

Exploring Advanced Energy Solutions or Rural Colorado study by the Colorado Energy Office required under House Bill 23-1247. The study assesses the potential for developing new advanced firm dispatchable energy technologies (such as advanced nuclear, clean hydrogen combustion, geothermal, long-duration energy storage, natural gas power plants paired with carbon capture and storage, and wind or solar coupled with storage) in rural locations in Colorado.