Spencer Nelson
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Biography
Spencer is a Policy Associate at ClearPath focusing on nuclear energy, science & innovation policy, and energy economics.
Spencer Joined ClearPath in 2015 from UNC Chapel Hill, where he was chairman of the Energy Special Projects Committee. His academic research took him to the Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment in Bangkok, where he conducted life cycle analysis of Thailand’s hydraulic fracturing potential. His other energy research includes global geothermal energy potential in OECD and developing countries.
He also has a research background in environmental genetics, with past focuses on phytoplankton productivity responses to nutrient changes at UNC, and the genetic component of susceptibility to air pollution at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Education
B.S. in Energy and Sustainability from UNC Chapel Hill, B.S. in Quantitative Biology from UNC Chapel Hill
Area of Expertise
Nuclear Energy and Innovation Policy
Featured Blog Posts from Spencer
ClearPath’s policy chief Jeremy Harrell and nuclear expert Spencer Nelson dive into why Congress is so focused on building a versatile test reactor, which can handle energy neutrons far faster than traditional reactors, as China and Russia are trying to corner the global market.
The ClearPath policy delegation focus on the importance of two new U.S.-led carbon capture and advanced nuclear initiatives launched at last month’s 9th annual global Clean Energy Ministerial – and why much more dialogue and action is still needed.
While there’s still a lot of work to be done, bipartisan support for nuclear continues to grow and there are more advanced nuclear companies actively engaging the NRC than ever before. The future for advanced nuclear is bright, as long as we don’t stand in the way.
