Nebraska Public Power District has reached phase two of a feasibility study assessing preliminary siting options for advanced nuclear reactors in Nebraska.
In 2022, the Nebraska Legislature allocated $1 million to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to fund the feasibility study. DED subsequently awarded the funds to NPPD, which operates Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville -- the state’s only nuclear power generator.
The purpose of the study’s first phase was to review published data to help screen areas with geographic and infrastructure characteristics that would make them potential candidates for an emerging nuclear technology known as a Small Modular Reactor.
SMRs offer unique attributes in terms of flexibility, efficiency, and safety. Phase 1 of the study considered areas across the entire state, including current generation sites, the DED noted.
Sixteen sites have been identified to proceed to the second phase of the feasibility study. These sites are located in proximity to the following cities: Beatrice, Brownville, Fremont, Grand Island, Hallam, Hastings, Holdrege, Kearney, Lexington, Nebraska City, Norfolk, Plattsmouth, Rushville, Sutherland, Valentine, and Wauneta.
NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent noted, “Nuclear energy has played a vital role in safely and reliably powering Nebraska for more than 50 years. NPPD and many other utilities are closely following the progress of these next generation nuclear technologies.”
The study’s second phase will perform a more in-depth technical evaluation and will involve detailed field environmental and constructability evaluations based on criteria used by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Phase two will also include engagement with the communities listed as potentially feasible sites.
At the conclusion of phase two, the list will be shortened to two to four sites. Local support will be an important factor for a community to move past the second phase, DED said.
For more information on the feasibility study, visit: nextgennuclearne.com [nextgennuclearne.com]
