Economics of Nuclear Power
Abstract: Nuclear energy supplies nearly 20 percent of all of our domestic electricity generation, and more than 55 percent of carbon-free generation. Nuclear power plants supply the baseload, always-available emissions-free electricity, while providing significant benefits to regional economies. So why are we seeing these plants struggle financially? This presentation will discuss the economics of nuclear power, as it stands today and how it can thrive in the future. There will also be a discussion on current federal and state policy dynamics to support preserving and growing nuclear power in the U.S., including non-electricity opportunities
Bio: Harsh has over 13 years of experience in deploying clean energy technologies. In his current capacity as a Senior Manager at the Nuclear Energy Institute, he is responsible for financial modeling, economic analyses, policy development, and business strategy.
In his previous Advisor and Project Manager role at the Department of Energy, he launched innovative programs and partnerships between the National Labs, Universities, and the private industry to develop and demonstrate concepts toward commercialization.
Notably, Harsh served as the ANS Congressional Fellow and Legislative Advisor to U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein covering energy, transportation, climate change, and appropriations. His other past roles include being Consultant to the executive leadership of the Naval Nuclear Laboratory, integrating Knolls Atomic and Bettis laboratories, two naval reactors training facilities, and fuel processing facilities post-merger. His technical roles include being a Senior Nuclear Engineer at Knolls Atomic and Edison Nuclear Engineer at GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy.
Harsh has an MBA from New York University’s Stern Business School, along with BS & MS in Nuclear Engineering from NC State University.
Harsh is an active member within ANS and serves on the American Nuclear Society Board of Directors. He is the immediate past chair of the ANS Young Members Group and serves in leadership roles on several governance committees, including Finance, Public Policy, and Congressional Fellowship (as Chair).
Harsh enjoys going on adventures, such as chasing tornadoes, being an avid photographer, traveling, brewing beer, and now, particularly in the pandemic, growing exotic (and spicy) peppers.
