Committee discusses potential for nuclear energy in Nebraska
A special legislative committee held a discussion about the future of nuclear energy in Nebraska on Friday, Oct. 27.
The discussion was for Legislative Resolution 178, which was created “to propose an interim study to examine the feasibility of constructing and operating small modular nuclear reactors to generate electric power in Nebraska.”
The International Atomic Energy Agency defines small modular nuclear reactors (SMR) as “advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, which is about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors.” Because of their size, SMRs are easier to assemble and transport and have a smaller footprint. The technology is relatively new. The first units are operational in Russia and China, with over 80 designs under development in 19 countries.
The resolution was introduced by State Senator Tom Brewer, who is serving his final year in the Nebraska Unicameral due to term limits. According to Brewer, “The best estimates from our public power experts put SMR technology about 15 years into the future.” He considers the resolution a first step and a way to set the path towards nuclear power for Nebraska.
Tom Kent, president and CEO of the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) spoke to the committee on Friday about the benefits of nuclear energy. According to the Nebraska Examiner, Kent proposed that nuclear energy could be a part of the solution “to ensure a reliable and robust economy, preserve the environment, maintain today’s quality of life and assess the needs of the future.”
The NPPD is the largest electric utility in the state of Nebraska and has stated a goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions from generation sources by 2050. Omaha Public Power District and Lincoln Electric System have similar goals that could benefit from nuclear energy.
Kent discussed the risks, which included cost and time. Nebraska’s nuclear power plant in Fort Calhoun closed in 2016, 17 years before its license expired, largely because of costs.
Kristen Gottschalk, president of the Advanced Nuclear Coalition, spoke about the importance of education on nuclear energy for gaining the public’s support. She said, “You have to share the good with the bad and the bad with the good as you go through this process. Otherwise, it looks like you’re hiding under an umbrella.” Gottschalk argues that Nebraska cannot overlook previous nuclear accidents, such as Chornobyl and Three Mile Island.
Another goal is to identify prospective sites for the reactors, so Nebraska will be ready to begin construction in the future.
By Aubrey Benton