Seabrook Station Executives Discuss Nuclear Energy with Adventures in Learning Class on the Nation's Energy Challenges
NEW LONDON, N.H., Oct. 9, 2009 – Guest speakers at an Adventures in Learning (AIL) course this week were Chief Nuclear Officer of FPL Group Mano Nazar, and Operations Manager of Seabrook Station Edward Metcalf. Their appearance was arranged by Jim Broadhead, AIL study leader and past chairman and CEO of FPL Group and its main subsidiary, Florida Power & Light Company. FPL Group has one of the lowest carbon footprints of any major utility, is the largest generator of power from wind and solar in North America, and owns and operates the third largest nuclear fleet in the country—including Seabrook Station in New Hampshire.
The course, Our Energy Challenge, is providing a review of alternative approaches to the production and use of energy resources. The focus of this session was nuclear energy, its rewards and risks. FPL Group Chief Nuclear Officer Mano Nazar detailed the American public's growing support of clean, safe nuclear power as well as addressed a number of misperceptions associated with its use, including the management of used fuel and security issues.
“When you look at the industry's 40-plus-year history of safe operations, the level of security at the plants, the government's projections for increased electricity demand and the environmental benefits of nuclear power, it's clear that nuclear must be part of the mix if we are to maintain reliability and affordability in the future,” said Nazar. “I always enjoy speaking with groups like this one because it gives me the opportunity to share an engineer's perspective and dispel some of the myths that people who don't work in this industry sometimes have.”
In the discussion that followed, the class was offered an opportunity to exchange thoughts with both Nazar and Metcalf. Nazar drew from his position overseeing the operations of five nuclear plants; Metcalf, from his 20-year history in the field and especially his current role at Seabrook.
A member of the class said, “The range seems to be from wood nuggets to nuclear energy; I was in the nugget age before this class.” Another said, “The course has been amazing. Where else do you get a former CEO like Jim as your study leader and guests like these?”
Adventures in Learning is the lifelong learning affiliate of Colby-Sawyer College. It offers over 40 courses a year and serves the communities of the Kearsarge-Lake Sunapee area and beyond. Membership is open to everyone and can be arranged by calling (603) 526-3690.
-Sharon Ames
Colby-Sawyer, founded in 1837, is a comprehensive liberal arts college located in the scenic Lake Sunapee Region of central New Hampshire. Students learn in small classes through a select array of programs that integrate the liberal arts and sciences with professional experience.
