SE Nebraska Considered As Possible Site For Nuclear Reactor

By Gordon HopkinsA location near Beatrice is one of 16 potential sites for a proposed modular nuclear power plant to be located in Nebraska. As of December 2023, Nebraska has a single nuclear reactor. The Cooper Nuclear Station (CNS), located on the Nebraska-Missouri border, near Brownville, first went online July 1, 1973, and operates as a single-unit electrical generator, producing approximately 835 megawatts of electricity. According to NPPD, “This would be enough power to supply more than 385,000 residential customers during the hottest summer. CNS provides Nebraskans with safe, clean & reliable electricity.”In late November 2010, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission renewed the plant’s license for 20 more years, through January 18, 2034. The reactor currently under consideration would be a very different type from CNS. Known as small modular reactors, these new type of compact reactors are being considered for use throughout the world.Jefferson County Commissioner Mark Schoenrock attended a presentation by the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) earlier this month. Schoenrock said, “So, this is regarding the small modular reactors that we referred to as SMRs. And so, NPPD is one of the leaders in the country trying to develop a good plan to field these small modular reactors all around the state, providing safe and reliable energy for Nebraska. But it can be done much more quickly and efficiently. Then if you want to go ahead and build a whole big nuclear plant.” Other possible sites are: Brownville, Fremont, Grand Island, Hallam, Hastings, Holdrege, Kearney, Lexington, Nebraska City, Norfolk, Plattsmouth, Rushville, Sutherland, Valentine, and Wauneta.Schoenrock believes Beatrice has a very good shot at being chosen, “I think they’re at the top of the current scale. So, I think there’s probably a good chance that we’ll have one here, right here, in our in our region.” Governor Jim Pillen has indicated his support of the project. In a press conference last year, Pillen said, “I think, for the people of Nebraska, this conversation is extraordinarily important and critical at this time, because there’s tremendous opportunities for urban and rural economic development that is once in maybe seven generations time of opportunity, and we just can’t miss it.”

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