Nicole Johnson on nuclear energy
From Episode 35: Nicole Johnson - President of ALLETE Clean Energy · · Light Skin Pod
“In the state of Minnesota, there's actually a ban on building nuclear power, and people are asking if that ban should be lifted, maybe not for old nuclear but for small modular nuclear reactors, because to meet carbon-free goals, we're going to need something to provide reliable power when the wind's not blowing and the sun's not shining.”
On , Nicole Johnson, Vice President & President of Allete Clean Energy at ALLETE INC, spoke about nuclear energy during Episode 35: Nicole Johnson - President of ALLETE Clean Energy on Light Skin Pod.
About Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, vice president at Allete and president of its subsidiary Allete Clean Energy, appeared on the podcast "Lightskinn Pod" in December 2024. She discussed her role in helping to create Allete Clean Energy, which she described as a wind company that develops, owns, and operates large wind farms across seven states. Johnson stated that across Allete's family of companies, the approach is "all of the above energy," including wind, solar, hydro, biomass, and some fossil-based energy, while continuing to look for the cleanest, most affordable, and reliable forms of power. She noted that Minnesota has a ban on building nuclear power and that some are questioning whether that ban should be lifted for small modular nuclear reactors to help meet carbon-free goals, while also acknowledging that hesitation around nuclear energy often relates to concerns about spent fuel disposal. Johnson added that coal mining remains a significant part of Allete's operations through a sister company in North Dakota. Johnson also commented on the company's internal culture, saying that Allete provides opportunities for employees to have multiple careers without leaving the company by encouraging movement across different business units. Reflecting on her own career, she advised her younger self not to be afraid to take chances, even without checking all the boxes, and to raise her hand, work hard, and be a good teammate.