The North Dakota Legislature's Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee convened on September 3, 2025, to discuss the future of nuclear energy in the state, focusing on partnerships and project developments. The meeting featured presentations from industry leaders, including Jeff from Juniper Power and Tim Howe from BWX Technologies, who outlined their vision for integrating nuclear energy into North Dakota's energy landscape.

Jeff, who has a background in mineral tracking and energy, emphasized his passion for advancing nuclear energy in North Dakota. He highlighted his collaboration with BWXT, a prominent player in the nuclear sector, to explore the potential for nuclear facilities in the state. Their approach combines the development of nuclear power with the identification of customers and regulatory considerations, aiming to create a comprehensive energy solution.

Tim Howe provided insights into BWXT's extensive experience in nuclear technology, including their work on microreactors and small modular reactors. He discussed a project called Project Pele, which involves building a mobile microreactor for the U.S. Army. Howe also noted BWXT's ongoing study in Wyoming, which aims to assess the viability of deploying nuclear energy solutions and build a supportive supply chain.

The committee members engaged in discussions about the importance of identifying customer demand for nuclear energy projects, as well as the need for a robust supply chain to support the industry. They acknowledged the lessons learned from Wyoming's initiatives, which could be applied to North Dakota's nuclear energy development.

As the meeting concluded, the committee recognized the significance of public input and collaboration with academic partners to shape the future of nuclear energy in North Dakota. The discussions underscored a collective commitment to exploring innovative energy solutions that could position the state as a leader in the nuclear sector. The next steps involve further studies and stakeholder engagement to advance the proposed projects, with a target for initial deployments by 2031.