Arizona Public Service and two other Arizona-based utilities have begun their preliminary siting study that would explore opportunities for additional nuclear power in Arizona.
The study will use a phased screening methodology to narrow down locations in the state to a short list of possible sites and soon to the selection of a preferred site, 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 is expected to be completed in the next six months. Following the completion of the study, the utilities will analyze various factors before determining if they consider pursuing an early site permit application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The utilities have not made a decision on whether they will build a new nuclear plant in Arizona. No reactor build has been selected yet for the process either, allowing small modular reactor and large reactor designs to be considered during this review process.
“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.”