Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration to Launch Advanced Nuclear and Fusion Energy Roadmaps in Partnership with UMass Lowell

Lowell — The Healey-Driscoll Administration 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. 

“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.” 

“Massachusetts has built many multi-billion-dollar industries on a strong foundation of good research and ingenuity, and we can do that again with advanced nuclear and fusion energy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “With a clear, actionable roadmap, we can move quickly to attract investment to our state and grow our economy.” 

“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.” 

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 University of Massachusetts is pleased to support the Healey-Driscoll Administration by leading the development of the Commonwealth’s nuclear and fusion energy roadmaps,” UMass President Marty Meehan said. “The UMass system is committed to advancing energy and climate tech innovations while also providing highly skilled graduates to drive economic development across the state. With its long-standing and successful nuclear science and engineering program, UMass Lowell is the perfect partner to lead this initiative and explore viable options and opportunities for partnership with our community, state, federal, and industry partners.” 

“UMass Lowell is delighted to lead this key effort in partnership with the Healey Driscoll Administration,” said UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen. “Energy expertise is a core strength at UMass Lowell and a big reason why we are the only AASHE STARS platinum rated campus in Massachusetts. Our team looks forward to a collaborative and engaging process that will outline viable options to enhance energy affordability, decarbonization, and economic development for the Commonwealth.” 

“We selected Massachusetts as our global headquarters because of the world-class ecosystem that has enabled us to tap into the skilled workforce and talent to both manufacture and build the world’s first commercially relevant fusion machine that will demonstrate fusion can work as a commercial energy source,” said Bob Mumgaard, Commonwealth Fusion Systems CEO and co-founder. “We are excited about the Healey Driscoll Administration’s strategic roadmaps to position the Commonwealth to deploy this disruptive new clean energy technology.” 

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. 

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. 

Governor Healey’s Energy Affordability, Independence and Innovation Act would 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. 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. 

Statements of Support: 

Chrissy Lynch, President of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO: 
"We need more energy in Massachusetts, plain and simple. We can generate massive amounts of energy right here in Massachusetts through clean energy sources like advanced nuclear and fusion, and create thousands of union jobs for Massachusetts residents while we do it. I applaud Governor Healey for figuring out how we in Massachusetts can generate our own energy and support thousands of local careers at the same time." 

Harry Brett, International Representative for the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada: 
“There is a bright future for advanced nuclear and fusion energy in Massachusetts. United Association members are building, operating, and maintaining nuclear systems across the country, and we stand ready to bring more advanced energy solutions to our Commonwealth with the highest quality and safety in the industry.”  

Kevin Knobloch, President of Knobloch Energy LLC; former Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Energy; former President of the Union of Concerned Scientists; and former CEO and President, Greentown Labs: 
"We in Massachusetts are proud of our tradition of braving new frontiers in response to great challenges and needs. The UMass Lowell roadmap exercise is a vital investigation that will build on Massachusetts' long and impactful history in developing nuclear energy as a clean and firm energy source. The brisk timeline to identify options to strengthen our state's leadership in this sector shows a commitment by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to taking action when there’s not a minute to lose. Governor Healey’s initiative is key to meeting rising electricity demand with new power sources – such as small modular reactors – that are reliable, affordable, safe, carbon free and scalable." 

Dan Leary, President of UWUA Local 369: 
“Massachusetts and the region need more energy supply. The men and women of UWUA stand ready to make sure that energy supply operates safely and reliably. I applaud the Healey-Driscoll administration for recognizing the important role nuclear energy has played in building a strong economy, and the potential advanced nuclear and fusion energy can and will play in the Commonwealth’s future. Advanced nuclear and fusion energy have the potential to create thousands of good paying jobs, meet our growing energy needs without impacting the climate or local air quality, and ensure we have a stable and reliable energy grid for decades to come.” 

John G. Tzimorangas, President and CEO of Energy New England and President of Northeast Public Power Association (NEPPA): 
"Public Power has long been an advocate of nuclear power as part of its resource portfolio. 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.” 

Michael Collins, MD, UMass Chan Medical School Chancellor: 
“Advancing nuclear and fusion energy technology to better deliver power in Massachusetts will reduce air pollution, improve climate resilience and enhance public health. Developing and employing clean energy will lead to cleaner air and that means better public health for all, particularly for our most vulnerable populations who are more susceptible to air pollution and heat stress.” 

Tom Barry, CEO of the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company: 
“The Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) 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. 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.” 

Mike Monohan, Vice President of IBEW Region 2: 
“Every day, thousands of IBEW members go to work in nuclear plants around the country and go home safely every night to their families. They keep the lights on, provide affordable electricity for tens of millions of Americans and businesses, and support the economies of their local communities. Nuclear energy provides good jobs, clean power, and operates with the highest standards for safety. Period. Today, New Englanders rely on nuclear for more than 20% of their electricity, and Massachusetts consumes more of that energy than any other state in the region. Governor Healey and her team are spot on – we need to look at what Massachusetts can do to build and expand the nuclear and fusion energy ecosystems we have here in Massachusetts and figure out how our energy consumers can benefit from these clean energy resources, and how we can make sure our people and communities don’t lose out on opportunities for high paying, long-term jobs.” 

Armond Cohen, Executive Director of Clean Air Task Force (CATF):  
“Clean firm power like nuclear fission and fusion can help drive rapid, affordable, reliable decarbonization and complement the deployment of weather-dependent renewable energy. By developing a coordinated roadmap for these technologies, Massachusetts is moving decisively to expand clean firm power in a way that can drive economic growth and benefit communities, leveraging world-class research institutions, attracting investment, and creating high-quality jobs all while delivering low-carbon power to meet growing electricity demand. Strategic planning like this ensures that these technologies are deployed safely and equitably, strengthening Massachusetts’ competitive edge in the clean energy economy and advancing regional climate goals.” 
 

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