Category: AdvocacyAuthor: Tori BayushDate: September 17, 2024
RE+ is billed as the largest clean energy conference in North America. With 1,350+ exhibitors, 370+ hours of educational sessions, and 90+ hours of networking events, there's no contention… and yet, something is missing. They’ve forgotten nuclear is clean energy too!
Though, NAYGN isn't surprised.
Climate-conscious advocates generally think of solar and wind when it comes to clean energy. Other sources, such as hydro and nuclear, are forgotten, even though they also supply carbon-free electricity. The bridge between nuclear energy and other clean energy sources is still being built, little by little, and one conversation at a time.
The NAYGN Clean Energy Committee returned to RE+ on September 11th to continue the conversation, promote nuclear’s carbon-free contributions, and connect with like-minded (and nuclear-curious) individuals.
It’s undeniable that NAYGN attracted attention with our delightfully bright blue shirts. Many attendees had to indulge their curiosity and ask, “so you’re a nuclear advocate?”
NAYGN had the opportunity to share the benefits of nuclear energy…
…it's contributions towards electrifying hard-to-abate sectors…
…and the reliability we can provide energy-intensive industries like AI and data centers.
To wrap up RE+ 2024, NAYGN partnered with Mothers for Nuclear, Stand Up For Nuclear, and the Colorado Nuclear Alliance to host a Nuclear Networking Event. Our small but mighty group enjoyed a fun evening of games and nuclear-themed trivia. Thank you to everyone for making this RE+ another impactful outreach event!
But don’t take our word for it. Here’s what the RE+ team had to say about their experience:
“I really enjoyed the Young Professionals in Clean Energy Networking Event. I think young minds are always more open to other perspectives, so talking to other young professionals about my belief in the future of nuclear energy felt very easy.”
Mallory Schreiber, University of North Carolina at Charlotte and 2024 NAYGN Student Volunteer Scholarship
“Our nuclear t-shirts encouraged people to come up and talk to us–including some skeptics! The networking events were a highlight for me and provided great opportunities to engage with people who were unfamiliar with nuclear energy and its benefits.”
Henry Sommer, Curtiss-Wright California Chapter President
“People do not realize the importance of nuclear in our energy mix. Nuclear power is one of the safest, cleanest forms of energy, yet people still seemed hesitant to talk openly about it. Going to RE+ made me realize the importance of bringing more nuclear presence amongst the renewables sector!”
