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Building the future: Nuclear energy in construction

January 27, 2025

The resurgance of nuclear energy is bringing both numerous opportunities and risks, as the global search for more sustainable energy sources intensifies.
Climate|Environmental Risks
Climate Risk and Resilience|Geopolitical Risk

The imperative to combat climate change has sparked widespread commitments to decarbonization, with nuclear power emerging as a reliable, low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels. However, significant obstacles, such as high costs, regulatory hurdles, technical issues, and public safety concerns, hinder the transition to a low-carbon future. The resurgence of nuclear power, including advances in fission technology, safety measures, and waste management, offers a promising solution, especially for energy-intensive sectors like data centers.

Innovations within nuclear energy abound including the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). SMRs, with their compact and scalable designs, can be deployed quickly and affordably, offering flexible placement options. The construction industry must address labor shortages through education and training, manage public concerns with transparent communication, and implement robust safety protocols. Financial instruments like green bonds and public-private partnerships, along with insurance market reforms, are essential for reducing costs and attracting investment. Geopolitical and political considerations, including international agreements like the Paris Agreement, also play a crucial role in coordinating global decarbonization efforts. By tackling these challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, the construction industry can drive the shift to a low-carbon future with nuclear power.

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Nuclear Lead, WTW Construction Global Line of Business

Gary supports nuclear clients with overcoming cost and schedule inefficiencies and works with nuclear-involved clients with strategic planning and de-risking associated with new construction and commercialization projects, as well as decommissioning projects. Key among the services he routinely provides in support of nuclear clients include commercialization strategy; governance; project de-risking and controls, including risk engineering and predictive project analytics; supply chain reviews; construction project pre-planning and strategy; and project auditing, including change order assessments and mid- and close-out audits, performance and contract reviews, as well as insurance placements.

Gary has more than forty years of experience providing risk, strategy, and financial advisory services to clients particularly involving high capital construction and nuclear-related projects (power reactors, small modular reactors, fusion reactors, decommissioning, nuclear waste-related).

Among his project experiences he has performed work for several federal and state agencies and entities, including the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the State of Minnesota, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Safety.

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