Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has reached Phase 2 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 (DED) 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 (SMR). 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.
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.
“We’re excited to help lay the groundwork for the potential future of this technology in Nebraska,” said DED Director K.C. Belitz, “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.”
In 2023, nuclear energy provided almost 19% of U.S. utility-scale energy generation and about 47% of carbon-free generation in the U.S. There are 94 reactors licensed to operate in the U.S., and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is one of 21 utilities licensed to operate a nuclear plant. 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 2 will also include engagement with the communities listed as potentially feasible sites. At the conclusion of Phase 2, 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.
For more information on the feasibility study, visit nextgennuclearne.com.