Harsh S. Desai
Senior Manager
Nuclear Energy Institute

Abstract

As we move toward a more decarbonized economy, nuclear power is in a good position to help support that transition taking place in the industrial and transportation sectors. According to recent studies, nuclear energy can serve as the cheapest carbon-free source for hydrogen as a fuel and an energy storage option and be if utilized on a large scale.

This presentation will discuss hydrogen production opportunities from current and future nuclear power plants. For example, The DOE’s is funding projects for commercial demonstrations and deployment of hydrogen production from existing nuclear power plants: Energy Harbor, Xcel, Arizona Public Service and Exelon.  Next-generation nuclear power plants are being designed with the possibility of producing hydrogen using both electricity and direct heat.

Biography

Harsh has over 13 years of experience in deploying clean energy technologies. In his current capacity as a Senior Manager at the Nuclear Energy Institute, he is responsible for financial modeling, economic analyses, policy development, and business strategy.

In his previous Advisor and Project Manager role at the Department of Energy, he launched innovative programs and partnerships between the National Labs, Universities, and the private industry to develop and demonstrate concepts toward commercialization.

Notably, Harsh served as the ANS Congressional Fellow and Legislative Advisor to U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein covering energy, transportation, climate change, and appropriations. His other past roles include being Consultant to the executive leadership of the Naval Nuclear Laboratory, integrating Knolls Atomic and Bettis laboratories, two naval reactors training facilities, and fuel processing facilities post-merger. His technical roles include being a Senior Nuclear Engineer at Knolls Atomic and Edison Nuclear Engineer at GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy.

Harsh has an MBA from New York University’s Stern Business School, along with BS & MS in Nuclear Engineering from NC State University.

Harsh is an active member within ANS and serves on the American Nuclear Society Board of Directors. He is the immediate past chair of the ANS Young Members Group and serves in leadership roles on several governance committees, including Finance, Public Policy, and Congressional Fellowship (as Chair).

Harsh enjoys going on adventures, such as chasing tornadoes, being an avid photographer, traveling, brewing beer, and now, particularly in the pandemic, growing exotic (and spicy) peppers.

Thursday, January 28. 2021
4:00 pm seminar
https://ncsu.zoom.us/j/91814906674