Public power entities in Massachusetts are voicing support for an initiative unveiled on Oct. 2 in Massachusetts under which the state is teaming up with University of Massachusetts Lowell to develop “Advanced Nuclear and Fusion Energy Roadmaps” to accelerate the state’s leadership in advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies.
The roadmaps will look at the distinct attributes and regulatory paradigms of advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies and lay the foundation for further research, manufacturing and, ultimately, deployment of these technologies, to help affordably, reliably and sustainably meet increasing electricity demand in New England.
"Public Power has long been an advocate of nuclear power as part of its resource portfolio,” said John Tzimorangas, President and CEO of Energy New England and President of Northeast Public Power Association.
“This has helped public power balance the cost and reliability aspects that have been a cornerstone of municipal utilities. The public power community is excited and encouraged about the prospect of advanced nuclear (including SMR's) and fusion, with our own Commonwealth Fusion leading the way. Our regional organization, Northeast Public Power Association, has a resolution to promote Advanced Nuclear and Fusion technology and we are excited to support the Commonwealth's initiatives,” he said.
“The Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company is a steadfast supporter of nuclear energy, as a joint owner of Millstone Unit 3 and Seabrook Station, and has extolled the benefits of nuclear for decades,” said Tom Barry, CEO of the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company.
“As the Commonwealth’s joint action agency for municipal utilities, MMWEC is uniquely positioned to work with the Administration to move forward with these technologies. We believe this next generation of advanced nuclear and fusion energy is essential for improving regional energy independence and will be a critical piece of our decarbonized future,” he said.
“Massachusetts has the ingredients to be a world-class leader in advanced nuclear and fusion energy – technologies that provide affordable power, good jobs and significant economic development,” said Governor Maura Healey. “There is nationwide interest in the potential of advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies. Our partnership with UMass Lowell will help us leverage our strengths to lower costs and grow these industries in Massachusetts.”
“Nuclear power looks a lot different in 2025 – it uses a smaller footprint, produces less waste, and can be factory-assembled,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Massachusetts wants to seize this opportunity for more additional reliable power. This industry is taking off, and Massachusetts can act quickly to position ourselves to attract new business opportunities and clean energy resources to the state.”
A news release related to the announcement said that Massachusetts has a strong existing competitive advantage in advanced nuclear and fusion energy as the industries evolve nationwide.
UMass Lowell and MIT both have nuclear research reactors, representing two of the 25 research reactors that exist nationally.
“The nuclear research conducted within Massachusetts forms the foundation for numerous world-leading industries, including energy, defense, heath care, and biomedical applications, notably cancer research. UMass Lowell, MIT, and other institutions offer world-class academic, research, and training programs for those interested in advancing and working with nuclear technologies. This includes a program at UMass Lowell for students to secure a reactor operator license,” the news release said.
Massachusetts is home to the MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, which is a global leader in fusion research.
Additionally, it is home to Commonwealth Fusion Systems, headquartered in Devens, which is developing commercial-scale fusion technology. Incubated in Cambridge and spun out of MIT, CFS is now a multi-billion-dollar company employing nearly 1,000 people in Massachusetts, including engineers, electricians, technicians, welders, pipefitters, and construction workers.
Today, there are two operating nuclear power plants in New England, with nuclear energy meeting approximately 20 to 25% of the region’s power needs each year.
“With electricity demand growing, there is significant interest in exploring cutting-edge small modular reactors and fusion power plants. The New England states are working together, with support from the National Governors Association, to explore potential investment models for the deployment of advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies,” the news release noted.
Sukesh Aghara, Ph.D. will lead the development of the roadmap. He is a Professor of Nuclear Engineering, Ex-Chair and Executive Member of Nuclear Engineering Department Heads Organization, and current Associate Dean for Research of the Francis College of Engineering.
The roadmaps will serve as a comprehensive framework to guide Massachusetts’ approach to exploring advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies for power generation and non-power generation applications.
Over the four-month effort, UMass Lowell will engage stakeholders from across the UMass system, industry, government, and communities to assess existing capabilities, identify key gaps, and define opportunities for Massachusetts to lead in shaping the state’s and region’s advanced nuclear and fusion energy ecosystems.
The roadmaps will outline steps to leverage Massachusetts' existing innovation ecosystem, scale workforce development programs to support long-term industry growth, develop strategies for inclusive community engagement, and coordinate planning efforts with other New England states.
The roadmaps will not consider specific sites or restarting decommissioned facilities. It will serve as a foundational document to inform future legislative, regulatory, and investment decisions.
The roadmaps are expected to be released by the end of the year.
Healey’s Energy Affordability, Independence and Innovation Act would remove a barrier to deploying advanced nuclear technologies by lifting an outdated requirement for a statewide ballot measure for every new nuclear power plant.
While fusion power plants are already excluded from this requirement, this change would keep Massachusetts competitive as other nuclear technology advances such as small modular reactors, the news release said.
Between 2020 and today, eight of the fourteen states with some form of nuclear moratorium have lifted limitations, while other states have advanced various kinds of pro-nuclear incentives.
