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The Groundwork Behind the Next Generation of Nuclear Energy

Sep 14, 2026

As we prepare to attend the in Houston next week, we’re looking forward to joining conversations with developers, utilities, policymakers and technology leaders who are helping shape the future of nuclear energy in Texas.

Held in Houston, the Energy Capital of the World, this year’s Summit reflects the growing momentum behind advanced nuclear development in Texas and across the United States. As electricity demand continues to rise and industries seek reliable, long-term energy solutions, leaders from across the public and private sectors are coming together to explore the role nuclear power can play in supporting future growth.

Across the industry, conversations are increasingly shifting from whether advanced nuclear technologies can be deployed to how they can be deployed successfully. Although reactor technology, financing and power generation often dominate the conversation, the foundation of any successful project is site readiness and a clear understanding of whether a site can support long-term development.

At Atlas, we support nuclear and energy developers with geotechnical investigations, environmental planning, permitting and due diligence services that help evaluate site readiness and inform critical development decisions. During early project development, our teams identify opportunities and constraints, evaluate site conditions and development considerations and establish practical permitting pathways before significant investments are made. This integrated approach helps clients make informed decisions early and establish a clear path forward as projects advance.

Before a project can move into design, licensing or commissioning, developers need a clear understanding of subsurface conditions, environmental constraints, permitting requirements and infrastructure readiness. Many of the challenges that affect project schedules and development certainty are identified long before a reactor is planned. This is where the work happening below the surface becomes just as important as the technology above it.

Advanced nuclear projects are moving from concept toward implementation and developers are navigating rigorous regulatory, documentation and quality requirements. Atlas has supported highly regulated energy projects requiring disciplined quality processes, technical traceability and close coordination across multidisciplinary teams. That experience reinforces the importance of thoughtful planning, technical rigor and strong project documentation from the outset, as the early stages of project development provide a critical window to shape the foundational elements of siting, permitting, infrastructure planning and project execution.

We’re excited to attend this year’s Texas Nuclear Summit and connect with organizations working to advance the next generation of nuclear energy. If you’ll be in Houston, we’d welcome the opportunity to discuss how early site evaluation, permitting strategy and infrastructure planning can help move advanced energy projects from concept into viable, development-ready projects.

Authors:

Brett Haggerty

Erika Sawyer

Environmental Planning and Permitting Leader

Erika Sawyer is Atlas’ Environmental Planning and Permitting Leader, bringing more than 20 years of experience leading complex environmental planning, permitting and land-use initiatives across the energy, infrastructure and development sectors. An American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) professional, Erika specializes in helping clients navigate environmental review, permitting strategy, stakeholder engagement and project development challenges. She works closely with energy developers and project teams to identify opportunities, address constraints early and establish practical pathways from site due diligence through project execution.

Brett Haggerty

Justin Thomas, PE

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Justin Thomas, PE, is a Senior Geotechnical Engineer at Atlas with more than 10 years of experience supporting energy, nuclear, industrial, transportation and infrastructure projects. A licensed Professional Engineer, Justin specializes in geotechnical investigations, site characterization, subsurface evaluations and foundation engineering. He works with project teams to generate the technical data needed to inform siting, design and development decisions, helping clients reduce uncertainty and advance complex projects with confidence.

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