The Nuclear Company, a leading firm in nuclear development, has announced the appointment of Joe Klecha as Chief Nuclear Officer. Klecha, a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience, has managed projects worth over $35 billion and led teams of more than 11,000. This announcement was made during “The Nuclear Frontier” national campaign tour, which recently visited Charlotte, N.C., for an event hosted by steel producer Nucor.
Joe Klecha Joins The Nuclear Company as Chief Nuclear Officer
Joe Klecha, a seasoned nuclear industry leader, has been appointed as Chief Nuclear Officer of The Nuclear Company. Klecha’s extensive career includes significant roles across major nuclear operators:
- Southern Company: Klecha took over the construction of Vogtle units 3 and 4 midway through the project and previously served as operations director for Vogtle units 1 and 2.
- Duke Energy: As fleet operations director, he managed six nuclear power stations.
- Constellation: Over a decade, Klecha advanced through roles including oversight of 2.2 gigawatts of nuclear power generation as a licensed senior reactor operator.
- U.S. Navy: Klecha earned seven Navy Achievement Medals for his leadership in operating and maintaining a nuclear reactor and steam propulsion plant, as well as a deep submergence nuclear research submarine.
The Nuclear Company, which emerged from stealth mode earlier this month, aims to meet America’s rising energy demands driven by AI computing, onshoring manufacturing, and electrification. The International Energy Agency predicts a 30% increase in global electricity demand by 2030, equivalent to adding the energy needs of the U.S. and the EU combined. Despite the clear need for nuclear power, the industry struggles with projects that are often over budget and delayed. The Nuclear Company’s fleet-scale approach aims to overcome these challenges.
The company’s model leverages proven, licensed technology and a design-once, build-many strategy, building coalitions with communities, regulators, and financial stakeholders. The focus is on delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective electricity by standardizing processes and minimizing delays through efficient scheduling and site transitions.
Patrick Maloney, Co-founder and Chair of The Nuclear Company, stated, “Joe’s unmatched experience in managing large-scale nuclear projects is exactly what we need to build the fleet-scale nuclear power America requires. His expertise will be vital as we work to meet the country’s energy needs, secure a clean energy future, and restore our leadership in nuclear technology.”
Klecha commented, “With the launch of Vogtle units 3 and 4, nuclear power in America is poised to regain momentum from the 1970s and 1980s. Having witnessed the challenges and successes of the industry, I believe The Nuclear Company presents a once-in-a-century opportunity to maintain America’s position as a global leader in nuclear technology.”
Klecha’s appointment aligns with The Nuclear Company’s ongoing “The Nuclear Frontier” campaign, which began in Pittsburgh at the U.S. Women in Nuclear annual conference, led by Juliann Edwards, Chief Development Officer of The Nuclear Company.
Edwards remarked, “Joe’s decision to join us underscores the transformative nature of our business model, which will significantly enhance the delivery of large-scale nuclear infrastructure projects.”
About The Nuclear Company
The Nuclear Company is a fleet-scale nuclear development firm committed to constructing a series of nuclear power plants across America using proven technology. Through its design-once, build-many approach and collaboration with communities, regulators, and financial stakeholders, the company aims to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective electricity while driving rapid development in the nuclear industry both domestically and globally.
