Atlantic Council | Atoms for Appalachia: The role of nuclear energy in economic development

Nuclear 6

Q1. What was the main purpose of the Atoms for Appalachia workshop series?
A) Promote international nuclear nonproliferation
B) Identify opportunities and challenges for deploying advanced nuclear energy in Appalachian states
C) Evaluate military uses of small modular reactors
D) Lobby Congress for increased uranium imports

B

Q2. Which of the following states hosted Atoms for Appalachia workshops?
A) California, Texas, New York
B) North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia
C) Florida, Georgia, Alabama
D) Nevada, Colorado, Utah

B

Q3. According to the report, advanced nuclear technologies can support economic development primarily by:
A) Eliminating fossil fuels immediately
B) Enabling autonomous weapons manufacturing
C) Supporting clean manufacturing and creating workforce opportunities
D) Replacing all existing power plants in the region

C

Q4. Why is a localized approach important for nuclear deployment?
A) Local governments must own all nuclear reactors
B) Community needs and concerns shape viable project success
C) Nuclear plants can only operate within city boundaries
D) It minimizes federal oversight

B

Q5. One challenge shared by states deploying advanced nuclear technologies is:
A) Too many trained nuclear engineers
B) Difficulty projecting workforce needs and attracting talent
C) Excess federal funding
D) Lack of interest from private industry

B

Q1. What overarching theme tied the Atoms for Appalachia discussions together?

Answer: The workshops explored how advanced nuclear energy can contribute to clean manufacturing, workforce development, and local/regional economic growth in Appalachian states, while addressing shared challenges like talent pipelines and community engagement.

Q2. Why does the report emphasize interstate collaboration?

Answer: Because states share similar hurdles—like developing a sufficient workforce and planning nuclear infrastructure—collaboration can make solutions more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective.

Q3. What role does advanced nuclear technology play in economic development, according to the report?

Answer: It supports a stable clean-energy base for manufacturing, attracts new industries, and generates long-term workforce and education opportunities.

Q1. The Atoms for Appalachia project focuses on military applications of nuclear energy.

False

Q2. The report stresses that nuclear development must reflect local community interests.

True

Q3. Workforce shortages and talent attraction challenges are common across states pursuing advanced nuclear deployment.

True

Q4. Advanced nuclear energy is described as irrelevant to clean manufacturing.

False

Q5. The workshops only involved federal-level policymakers.

False