Metro Connect Fall Stage

UPRISE (Utility Power Reactor Incremental Scaling Effort) offers a new pathway for hyperscalers, AI compute providers, and data‑center developers to secure reliable, long‑duration, cost-competitive electricity by enabling power uprates across the existing U.S. nuclear fleet. This session will introduce the UPRISE initiative and feature nuclear utility perspectives from Chuck Kharrl, CEO/CNO for the South Texas Project (STP) Nuclear Power Plant on practical options for increasing plant output and expanding power availability.

Participants will also receive an overview of Department of Energy research focused on key technical, regulatory, and supply‑chain enablers that support nuclear capacity expansion. The session will include an invitation for data‑center project developers to join the Capacity Expansion Working Group (CXWG), a cross‑industry forum shaping the future of nuclear‑enabled power for digital infrastructure.

A facilitated dialogue will conclude the session, providing attendees an opportunity to explore collaborative pathways, ask questions, and better understand how UPRISE can support large‑scale, next‑generation data‑center growth.