Arizona Public Service and two other Arizona-based utilities have begun their preliminary siting study to explore opportunities for additional nuclear power in Arizona.
The study will use a phased screening methodology to narrow down potential locations in the state to a short list, Arizona Public Service said in a June 24 press release. The siting process, the basis of the nuclear planning process, is being funded by Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project and Tucson Electric Power.
The cost of the siting study was not provided in the release.
Along with the siting process, the three utilities will begin public engagement and community outreach near potential nuclear sites later this year to share information and seek feedback.
The three utilities said that the study should be completed within six months. Following the completion of the study, the utilities will analyze various factors before determining if they might pursue an early site permit application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
“Any future project would depend on industry progress on cost and schedule predictability, supply chain development and financing considerations,” Arizona Public Service said. “In the long term, the companies will prioritize nuclear technologies that are commercially proven as reliable; have been safely and successfully deployed elsewhere; and are provided by suppliers with strong operational records and demonstrated commercial viability.”
In February 2025, the utilities teamed up to seek a grant from the Department of Energy that would support their preliminary exploration of a potential site for new nuclear generation. APS said the three utilities were notified by DOE that they did not receive that grant. However, they will continue to work together to explore funding opportunities to lessen the financial costs for the evaluation process.
Arizona Public Service operates Palo Verde Generating Station, a 4,200-megawatt nuclear power plant that serves Arizona, New Mexico, southern California and west Texas. Palo Verde is the largest power generator in the western United States.