The Nuclear Energy Renaissance: The Challenges of Governance with the Advent of AI

The Washington Foreign Law Society (WFLS) and the Stimson Center present a discussion on the future of civil nuclear energy and the legal, regulatory, and policy questions that will shape its next era. As AI, data centers, and growing global energy demand drive the need for reliable and low-carbon power, governments and private companies are accelerating efforts to deploy advanced reactors and small modular reactors and expand nuclear energy into new markets. But can governance keep pace with innovation? This discussion explores how quickly advanced reactors can move from development to commercial deployment, whether existing licensing and regulatory frameworks are keeping pace, and how policymakers and industry should approach emerging questions involving nuclear security, transportation, liability, safeguards, and waste disposal. Panelists: Amy Roma, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP Peter Hastings, Senior Fellow, Nuclear Innovation Alliance; Principal and Founder, The Hastings Group Moderator: David Kenneth Smith, Stimson Center Introduction: Alexandra Bochnakova, President, Washington Foreign Law Society Learn more about the Washington Foreign Law Society and its programs at wfls.org.