Speakers

M. Christopher Nolan, PE, has served Duke Energy for 18 years, assuming his role as vice president of new nuclear generation strategy and regulatory engagement in 2022. In this role, he is responsible for planning for advanced nuclear generation development to support the company’s transition to net-zero carbon emissions.

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, he worked as a 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.

Prior to coming to Duke Energy in 2006, Nolan worked at the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for nine years, holding positions of increasing responsibility in the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response and Office of Enforcement. Nolan was the chief of the New Reactors Environmental Projects Branch in the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation when he joined Duke Energy.

Prior to his service with the NRC, he was a senior design engineer at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant for nine years. 

Nolan started his career at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in the naval nuclear propulsion plant program for General Electric Company. 

A native of Garret Park, Maryland, Nolan is a graduate of the University of Maryland, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and a Master of Science degree in engineering management. He is also a registered professional engineer (PE) in the Commonwealth of Virginia.