"Unlocking the Potential: Nebraska embarks on a journey to uncover the perfect spots for Small Modular Reactors"

Cooper (Image: NPPD)

 The Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), operator of the Cooper nuclear power plant, is embarking on an exciting journey to identify the perfect spots for small modular reactors (SMRs) with the help of a state-allocated funding of $1 million from the American Rescue Plan Act. This funding will be used to complete a siting study that will assess the state-wide locations that are most suitable for SMRs based on geographic data and preliminary licensing criteria.

This two-phase study will kick off with the assessment of 15 "best locations" for SMRs, expected to be completed this Spring, and will then proceed to an in-depth evaluation of the chosen sites, which will include detailed field environmental and constructability evaluations based on US Nuclear Regulatory Commission plant licensing criteria. The goal of this second phase is to reduce the number of sites to four. The study is estimated to take about a year to complete.

NPPD has partnered with engineering firm Burns & McDonnell to assist with the study and is thrilled to be a part of this process. NPPD Generation Research Senior Program Manager Roman Estrada stated, "This study will not result in the immediate construction of an advanced small modular reactor, but it will give us a great look at potential areas in the state where this technology could be sited."

Cooper, the state's only currently operating nuclear power plant, has been in commercial operation since 1974 and is licensed to operate until January 2034. NPPD, a publicly owned utility, is also looking into the possibility of a second license renewal which would extend the operating license by a further twenty years. Nuclear power currently provides nearly 18% of Nebraska's electricity and over 38% of its carbon-free electricity.

Source : World Nuclear News

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