The Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) recently identified four potential sites for a new advanced reactor to be built in Nebraska.
In a May 20 press release, NPPD said that Beatrice, Brownville, Norfolk and Sutherland were the top four communities suited for a new reactor.
The four sites identified were as a part of the second phase of study, which NPPD expected it to come down to two-to-four potential locations. In the first phase of the study, NPPD identified 16 sites across the state which could be locations for an advanced reactor.
“During the second phase, our team was able to work with the sixteen communities who allowed us to come talk with the public about both this siting study and nuclear technology as a whole,” NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent said. “Those conversations were positive across the state and are extremely valuable as we highlight the tremendous benefits nuclear power can provide to both a local community and the customers we serve.”
In the second phase of the feasibility study, NPPD performed a technical analysis based on current criteria available from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. With the study now completed, Kent said that NPPD will continue the evaluation process with the Great Plains New Nuclear Consortium, which is made up of NPPD, Omaha Public Power District, Lincoln Electric Systems and Grand River Dam Authority.
In 2022, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development was awarded $1 million to conduct a feasibility study. The state department handed over the funds to NPPD, who operates the sole nuclear power plant, Cooper Nuclear Station, in the state. According to the release, the study was conducted at the direction of the Nebraska state government.