Climate Week NYC 2022 event: Role of Nuclear in a Carbon-Free Future

Nuclear New York's event at Climate Week NYC 2022, held on Monday, September 19, 2022, online.

What role will nuclear energy play in a zero-carbon future? Many imagine the future to be powered solely by wind and solar energy, with wave/tidal, biomass, and geothermal energy playing minor supporting roles. We will compare the properties of nuclear power with those of wind and solar power and identify needs for nuclear energy that are less apparent in early stages of decarbonization.

Wind and solar energy have shown tremendous progress over the last decades: costs have come down, and deployment is growing exponentially. Is this all we need to fully decarbonize electricity, heating, transportation, and industrial processes? Will these technologies provide enough energy to support high living standards for all people on our planet and without causing excessive harm to the environment?

Two 15 min presentations by our speakers were followed by a discussion.

Isuru Seneviratne is a rigorous energy and climate professional with two decades’ experience in investment diligence, policy advocacy, and sustainable business development. Isuru founded Radiant Value Management in 2015 to pursue undervalued opportunities spanning energy resources, storage, cleantech, and electric mobility. In 2013 he co-founded ART Logistics, an innovative transportation business servicing blue-chip clients in Sri Lanka. Isuru is an advocate for durable and comprehensive climate policies and for reliable and affordable energy choices. He is pursuing graduate studies in sustainability at Harvard Extension School and has the Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA) accreditation from Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).

Eric Dawson is a writer & nuclear energy advocate in New York City. His professional experience with web design & his interest in using innovative technology to address environmental issues led him to invest in venture capital funds focused on resource efficiency. In addition, he has become involved in local, grassroots groups in New York City focused on finding bipartisan solutions to various social problems.