The Department of Energy is not yet sharing specifics about the states underserious consideration for its Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus program,
The DOE program seeks federal-state partnerships to increase the nation’s fuel fabrication, uranium enrichment and waste disposal efforts. The program was announced in January, and in April, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said 28 states responded to the request for information (RFI).
One of those was South Carolina, via SC Nexus, a state-operated consortium of 50-plus members that resides under the state. Department of Commerce. SC Nexus was created to increase South Carolina’s footprint in technology, nuclear, and other energy spaces. This spring SC Nexus Director Cristina Paredes detailed the state’s submission during a presentation to a state nuclear panel.
Paredes added that, of the 28 states who submitted, DOE would select some to continue conversations with by the end of April and began inking agreements with selected states by the end of the summer. Questions to both DOE and SC Nexus on timelines and costs. yielded similar results.
SC Nexus largely deferred to DOE, but made its case for hosting a campus. “South Carolina is committed to being a leader in advanced energy – including next-generation nuclear solutions, said Alex Clark, a spokesperson for the state’s Commerce Department. “By leveraging our manufacturing strength and research excellence, we are developing, testing and deploying solutions to meet rising demand, enhance grid resilience, strengthen national security and advance energy independence on a global scale.”
A spokesperson with the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy added, “DOE does not plan to publicly post submissions and will review all responses consistent with its authorities and established processes.”