The Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has reached Phase 2 of a feasibility study evaluating 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 the Cooper Nuclear Power Plant near Brownville—the state’s only nuclear power plant.
The goal of the first phase of the study was to review published data to identify areas with geographic and infrastructure characteristics that make them potential candidates for a new nuclear technology known as the small modular reactor (SMR). SMRs offer unique characteristics of flexibility, efficiency and safety. Phase 1 of the study considered areas across the state, including sites where electricity is currently generated.
Sixteen sites have been selected for the second phase of the feasibility study. These sites are located near the following cities: Beatrice, Brownville, Fremont, Grand Island, Hallam, Hastings, Holdrege, Kearney, Lexington, Nebraska City, Norfolk, Plattsmouth, Rushville, Sutherland, Valentine and Wauneta.
“We are excited to help lay the groundwork for the potential future of this technology in Nebraska,” said DED Director KC Belitz. “Electricity generation is critical to Nebraska’s economic growth and this study is the first step toward creating tremendous economic impact for all the communities where it is located.”
In 2023, nuclear energy provided nearly 19% of U.S. utility-scale electricity generation and about 47% of U.S. zero-carbon electricity generation. There are 94 licensed reactors in the U.S., and the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is one of 21 utilities licensed to operate a nuclear power plant. NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent noted, “Nuclear energy has played a critical role in providing safe and reliable energy to Nebraska for more than 50 years. NPPD and many other utilities are closely following the advances of these next-generation nuclear technologies.”
The second phase of the study will involve a more in-depth technical assessment and detailed on-site environmental and constructability assessments based on Nuclear Regulatory Commission criteria. Phase 2 will also involve working with the communities listed as potential sites. At the end of Phase 2, the list will be whittled down to two to four sites. Local support will be an important factor in getting a community through Phase 2.
For more information about the feasibility study, visit nextgennuclearne.com.
