Lewis County explores nuclear energy readiness through public education series

Buffalo Trace Area Development District (BTADD), in partnership with Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR), hosted a public educational event Aug. 6 at the Lewis County High School Auditorium to help residents learn more about economic development, workforce opportunities, advanced nuclear energy and Kentucky’s Nuclear Energy Ready Community Certification process.

Featured speakers Kenya Stump, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy, and Christine King, director of Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN), provided information and expertise to help community members better understand the certification process, emerging nuclear energy technologies and potential opportunities for Lewis County.

The seminar was designed to provide factual, accessible information while encouraging transparent community dialogue. Topics included Kentucky’s Nuclear Energy Ready Community Certification process, advanced nuclear technologies, the nuclear energy ecosystem and supply chain and potential workforce and economic development opportunities.

Residents, business owners, educators, students, elected officials and community leaders were invited to listen, submit written questions and engage directly with speakers and partners. The goal was not to advocate for a predetermined outcome but to give Lewis County residents the information and resources needed to participate confidently in conversations about potential opportunities for their community.

The Aug. 6 event marked the first step in a two-event educational series. A future interactive educational fair is planned to give participants opportunities to explore the nuclear fuel cycle, visit educational stations, speak with industry and policy experts and learn more about workforce and educational pathways.

Attendees were also connected with trusted resources from organizations including the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority, Kentucky Office of Energy Policy, BTADD, SOAR, GAIN, U.S. Department of Energy, Nuclear Energy Institute, Nuclear Innovation Alliance and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, provided through QR codes in the event materials.

Through continued education and open dialogue, BTADD and its partners are helping Lewis County explore what becoming a Nuclear Energy Ready Community could mean for its workforce, economy and future.