Nebraska Shortlisted For Nuclear Reactor Expansion Site

Nebraska state agencies are one step closer to finalizing their expansion of the state’s nuclear energy industry, and 16 communities are on the shortlist of possible locations to build the site. 

Shortlist of Communities

The Cornhusker State is one step closer to building a new nuclear reactor site that will massively expand its energy capabilities. Now, 16 Nebraska communities are on the shortlist for the development of the site. 

State Agency and Public Utility Team Up

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) have teamed up to bring the nuclear reactor to the state.

16 Sites Selected

On Thursday the two departments announced the 16 sites and explained their next steps – to use money granted by state legislatures to conduct a feasibility study that will narrow that number down to 2 or 3 sites.

$1 Million Study Grant

In 2022 the Nebraska Legislature granted $1 million for the DED and NPPD to conduct the study alongside a consulting firm.

Cities Affected

Communities currently on the shortlist are located near the cities of Beatrice, Brownville, Fremont, Grand Island, Hallam, Hastings, Holdrege, Kearney, Lexington, Nebraska City, Norfolk, Plattsmouth, Rushville, Sutherland, Valentine, and Wauneta. 

Cooper Nuclear Station

Currently, Brownville houses the Cooper Nuclear Station, “the largest, single-unit electrical generator in the state” according to the official website.

A Logical Choice

It is also the only nuclear power plant currently existing in the state, making it a logical end choice for the reactor site.

Small Modular Reactor

The small modular reactor, or SMR, would take up far less space than the Cooper station, and it has been promoted as a useful augmentation for power sources like the nuclear generator. 

“Next Generation” of Nuclear Energy

The NPPD, which is the largest electric utility in the state, has touted a new expansion to Nebraska’s nuclear footprint as an essential step in the “next generation” of nuclear power as a reliable energy source.

A Vital Role”

“Nuclear energy has played a vital role in safely and reliably powering Nebraska for more than 50 years,” said NPPD President Tom Kent in an official statement. “NPPD and many other utilities are closely following the progress of these next-generation nuclear technologies.” 

Massive Economic Potential

The DED has agreed and also pointed to the economic potential of a new reactor site, including generating new jobs in the chosen community and surrounding areas. 

“Key to Growing Nebraska’s Economy”

“Electrical generation is key to growing Nebraska’s economy and this study is the first step in creating a tremendous economic impact for any community where it’s located,”  said department director K.C. Belitz in his own statement. 

Laying the Groundwork

“We’re excited to help lay the groundwork for the potential future of this technology in Nebraska,” Belitz continued. 

A Welcome Change

While in past decades some have expressed concerns over the safety and reliability of nuclear energy, and the presence of nuclear power plants, public (and scientific) opinion has changed significantly over the years. 

“Clean and Dependable”

Belitz emphasized the “clean dependable and affordable” aspects of nuclear energy, and along with other Nebraska public officials, he believes the wider public will embrace the opportunities that nuclear expansion will bring.

Bringing Jobs and Investment

“This is a win for economic development these are going to be really good jobs, they are going to bring an awful lot of local investment and ongoing careers in that place in a very high tech and high paying career,” Belitz continued.

Governor Weighs in

Nebraska State Gov. Jim Pillen also made a statement on the recent energy developments, calling it a “tremendous opportunity for rural and urban economic development that is once in maybe seven generations time of opportunity and we just can’t miss it.”

Theirs to Decide

Despite the possibilities of the project and the shortlist of communities, at the end of the day it will be up to these individual communities to choose whether they want to accept it, something the NPPD has acknowledged.

Some May Move Against It

“At the end of the day, some communities may decide it’s not for them for various reasons,” Kent said.

One of a Number

According to a news release on the latest developments, the NPPD is one of only 21 utilities in the country that are licensed to operate a nuclear power plant. There are currently 94 reactors licensed in the US.

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