Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) unveiled plans for a new nuclear power siting study during his Feb. 17 State of the State address.
Evers announced the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and University of Wisconsin–Madison’s nuclear engineering department will lead the study.
“We’re also continuing to explore new ways for Wisconsin to be a leader in clean energy,” Evers said. “I’m excited to announce that we’re going to be partnering with the UW-Madison’s Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics to study nuclear energy opportunities in Wisconsin.”
“This could be a game-changer for our state, and I’m glad this work has received bipartisan support this session,” Evers went on to say.
The study comes after Evers signed a law, Wisconsin Act 12, in July 2025 that authorizes a siting study for advanced nuclear technology, such as small modular reactors and fusion.
According to Act 12, the study should be completed by the start of 2027. Additionally, $2 million will be allocated to the 2025-2027 biennial budget to pay for the study.
The study will provide an evaluation of possible om-state nuclear energy development opportunities, Evers said in his Feb. 17 press release. Information from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge and Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, will be used in the study.
Recent experiences with the construction and operation of new nuclear projects will also be taken into account, according to the release.
Wisconsin currently has one operating nuclear power plant in the state, Point Beach, which produces 16% of the state’s energy generation.