Utility Working Conference and Vendor Technology Expo (UWC 2023)

M. Christopher Nolan

Vice President New Nuclear Generation Strategy and Regulatory Engagement

Duke Energy

Chris Nolan is vice president of new nuclear generation strategy and regulatory engagement for Duke Energy. In this role, he has responsibility for planning for new nuclear generation to support the company’s energy transition to net-zero carbon emissions. He assumed this role in 2022.

Prior to 2022, Nolan served as vice president of regulatory affairs, policy, and emergency preparedness where he was responsible for these programs for nuclear generation. Before that, Nolan served as licensing manager in nuclear plant development, where he was responsible for managing licensing, site characterization and project development activities for new nuclear interests in Duke Energy’s Carolinas and Midwest service territories.

Nolan joined Duke Energy in 2006 after working at the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for nine years. During this period, he held positions of increasing responsibility in the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response, and the Office of Enforcement. Nolan was chief of the New Reactors Environmental Projects Branch in the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation when he accepted a position with Duke Energy. Prior to his service with the NRC, Nolan was a senior design engineer at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant for nine years.

Additionally, Nolan was a qualified operator in the U. S. Navy’s nuclear power program while employed at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory for General Electric Co. He is a graduate of the U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Power School.

Nolan graduated from the University of Maryland where he earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and a Master of Science in engineering management. He is a registered professional engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia.