Alpen Associates, a boutique management consulting firm specializing in economic development, and Hi Tech Solutions, a premier nuclear services and workforce development company, today announced a strategic partnership to establish the Mountain West’s first fully integrated nuclear energy ecosystem. This multi year initiative will help launch the domestic manufacturing of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Utah and drive a new era of innovation in clean energy, workforce development, and regional competitiveness.
Key Objectives of the Partnership
Alpen Associates will support Hi Tech Solutions’ vision by delivering services in economic analysis, stakeholder engagement, and program management. This includes project forecasts, workforce planning, and complex program initiatives. Alpen will also support a comprehensive stakeholder engagement effort— including community outreach, public affairs, and investor relations—to build alignment, foster support, and drive sustained momentum for Utah’s first full stack nuclear energy ecosystem.
Strategic Positioning
“Alpen exists to help communities and companies turn major economic opportunities into tangible outcomes,” said Scott Cuthbertson, CEO of Alpen Associates. “This partnership embodies that— we’re proud to support Hi Tech’s bold vision for advancing next generation nuclear energy across the Mountain West.”
“This is more than a power project—it’s an integrated industrial strategy,” added Chris Hayter, President & COO of Hi Tech Solutions. “Alpen’s team brings the regional insight and execution experience on major development programs we
seek to support us in building something lasting, scalable, and grounded in community support here in Utah.”
What’s Ahead
- 2025: Site selection and stakeholder engagement; launch of pilot training initiatives
- 2026–2028: Construction of training and assembly facilities; workforce expansion
- Early 2030s: Full-scale SMR-300 component manufacturing and deployment in the region
