Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 10:00 AM EDT
As nations work to decarbonize and meet growing energy needs, nuclear power is gaining attention as a reliable, low-emissions energy source. The U.S. operates the world’s largest fleet of nuclear reactors, though new construction has slowed. China, by contrast, is rapidly expanding its nuclear capacity, with over 30 reactors under construction and major investments in advanced nuclear technology. This program examines the place of nuclear energy in U.S. and Chinese energy strategies, the challenges and opportunities in developing new strategies, and the impact of geopolitics, industrial policy, and public-private cooperation.
In a discussion recorded on September 18, 2025, Jane Nakano and Nick Touran, in conversation with Darrin Magee, explore how these dynamics influence global climate goals, energy security, and technological leadership.
Speakers
Jane Nakano
Jane Nakano’s research interests include U.S. energy policy; energy geopolitics; global market and policy developments concerning natural gas, nuclear energy, and critical minerals; and energy security and climate issues in the Asia-Pacific region. She has testified before Congress on China’s competitiveness in energy technology manufacturing and exports as well as the energy security benefits of U.S. LNG exports and before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on U.S.-China nuclear energy engagements. Prior to joining CSIS in 2010, Ms. Nakano worked in the Office of International Affairs in the U.S. Department of Energy. From 2001 to 2002, she served at the U.S. embassy in Tokyo as a special assistant to the energy attaché. Ms. Nakano graduated from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and holds an MA from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.
Nick Touran
Nick Touran is a nuclear engineer with expertise in advanced nuclear reactor design, reactor development, and the history of nuclear power. Dr. Touran spent 15 years at TerraPower in Seattle working on core design, business development, software development, and configuration management. He is now a consultant involved in advising and assisting
numerous reactor development and deployment efforts. Dr. Touran has been active in public education around nuclear energy since 2006 as the founder of whatisnuclear.com. He has spoken at numerous institutions, schools, and public events, and was featured on NPR’s Science Friday. Recently, he coordinated the digitization of over 25 historical nuclear films. He holds a Ph.D. and MSE from the University of Michigan.
Moderator
Darrin Magee
Darrin Magee is director of Western Washington University’s Institute for Energy Studies, a program offering both an interdisciplinary BS and BA in energy studies. Prior to that, he was a professor of environmental studies and Asian studies at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in New York State, where his research and teaching focused on energy and environment issues in East Asia. He is an expert on the Chinese energy sector. In 2024-2025, Dr. Magee was a science and technology advisor in the U.S. Department of State through the American Association for the Advancement of Science, where he focused on the intersection of critical and emerging technologies and weapons of mass destruction. He holds a Ph.D. in geography and MA in China studies from the University of Washington, along with a BS in mathematics and BA in French from Louisiana State University.
