Nebraska Public Power District assesses siting options for nuclear reactors
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) — Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is currently considering 16 communities across the state as possible sites for a new nuclear power reactor.
The new nuclear power reactor is known as a Small Modular Reactor (SMR). SMRs offer unique attributes in terms of flexibility, efficiency and safety.
16 sites have been identified to proceed as possible site locations. These sites are located near the following cities: Beatrice, Brownville, Fremont, Grand Island, Hallam, Hastings, Holdrege, Kearney, Lexington, Nebraska City, Norfolk, Plattsmouth, Rushville, Sutherland, Valentine and Wauneta.
NPPD will perform a more in-depth technical evaluation and engage more with the communities listed to decide which cities to move forward with. The list will be shortened to two to four sites, and local support will be an important factor for a community to move forward.
On Tuesday, NPPD officials held an open house in Valentine to share information and gather public feedback. Similar events are planned in all 16 communities before the list is narrowed down.
“There’s a lot of misinformation that’s out there. We just want to be able to come in and provide the facts,” said Dan Buman, special assistant to the site vice president at Cooper Nuclear Station.
NPPD officials say consultants are evaluating several factors in selecting a location, including power transmission capabilities, population and water availability.
While some residents expressed concerns, others saw the potential for economic growth.
“For example, at our Cooper Nuclear Station in Brownville, we have electricians, nuclear welding-type positions and engineers — but we also have folks who work in H.R. and communications,” said NPPD economic development manager Nicole Sedlacek. “There is a level of excitement around this new technology, so that’s been really encouraging.”
The open houses are part of NPPD’s ongoing feasibility study, which is expected to move into its next phase at the end of this year or beginning of next year.
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