Wisconsin no longer has an operating nuclear power plant, and cheap natural gas augmented by renewables dominates the future energy discussion for many utilities.

But should Wisconsin and the rest of the Midwest abandon the nuclear energy option?

Some experts say it should be preserved and perhaps enhanced.

An expert panel convened by the Wisconsin Technology Council, WisBusiness.com and WisPolitics.com will examine the future of nuclear energy at a Thursday, Jan. 18, luncheon at the Madison Club from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The panel will be moderated by Wisconsin Technology Council President Tom Still.

Click here to register.

Panelists include:

–Wisconsin Public Service Commission member Mike Huebsch, who as a member of the Legislature successfully pushed legislation to repeal the moratorium on building new nuclear power plants.

— Paul Wilson, Grainger Professor of Nuclear Engineering in UW–Madison‘s Department of Engineering Physics. His research interests focus on developing improved tools for computational modeling of complex nuclear energy systems, with applications in radiation shielding, nuclear waste management, nuclear non-proliferation and energy policy.

–And Greg Levesque, director of environmental and local relations at American Transmission Co.

Madison Club members and their guests receive discounted pricing for WisPolitics luncheons of $19 per person. Price for general public is $25 per person. Price includes a buffet lunch.