Nebraska Public Power District’s Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville. (Courtesy of NPPD)
The Nebraska Public Power District has identified 16 possible locations, including Fremont, that could be candidates to expand Nebraska’s nuclear footprint and energy capabilities.
The Nebraska Department of Education along with NPPD announced Thursday the next phase of a feasibility study that will eventually narrow down its shortlist to two to four sites for emerging nuclear technology: small modular reactors, or SMRs.
Compared to NPPD’s Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville, SMRs take up less physical space and have been championed as augmenting existing power sources.
In addition to Fremont, the sites that will move on to the next phase of the feasibility study are located near the following cities: Beatrice, Brownville, 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,” Department of Economic Development Director K.C. Belitz said in a statement. “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.”
The Legislature first appropriated $1 million of federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act for the study in 2022 seeking to identify appropriate places to expand nuclear power.
Greater Fremont Development Council Executive Director Megan Skiles issued a statement following the announcement.
“Fremont will be announced as one of approx. 16 sites across the state that will be focused on for further feasibility studies being conducted by NPPD. This does not mean we’ll be a finalist or would be required to pursue independently, it is just helping us understand our ability to site it here in the future – should we choose to pursue it,” she said. “Permitting for nuclear generation takes a long time and a lot of research. This is simply getting us (the state) ready should it be a viable option in the future. The study was done at the legislature’s request to look at power potential across the state as a public power state. It is not related to the Port Authority project, but could potentially be a part of a solution for that site long term.”
The second study phase will be a more in-depth technical analysis, including criteria from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and engagement with the local communities. Local support will be an important factor, according to a news release.
State Sen. Tom Brewer of north-central Nebraska is chair of a select legislative committee tasked last year with examining the feasibility of constructing and operating SMRs in Nebraska. At an October hearing, lawmakers were told the work could begin without more legislation.
NPPD is one of 21 utilities licensed to operate a nuclear plant, and there are 94 reactors licensed to operate in the United States, a news release states.
“Nuclear energy has played a vital role in safely and reliably powering Nebraska for more than 50 years,” NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent said in a news release. “NPPD and many other utilities are closely following the progress of these next generation nuclear technologies.”
