English (United States)
If you’ve lived in Nebraska long enough, you know corn and soybeans don’t grow on hopes and dreams. They grow because someone studies the soil, plans ahead and puts in the work long before harvest season. That same mindset is guiding NPPD as we explore what the next generation of nuclear energy could mean for our state.
As the state’s only owner and operator of an operating nuclear facility (Cooper Nuclear Station), NPPD led a statewide Next Gen Nuclear feasibility study in 2023 to look at where advanced nuclear technology, especially small modular reactors (SMR), might best be located. The project was sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and funded by the Nebraska Legislature. However, we weren’t intent on building an SMR tomorrow. Rather, we were preparing for the Nebraska we know is coming: one with greater energy needs.
Phase I of the study wrapped up in August 2024 by identifying 16 potential communities. That list included Beatrice, Brownville, Fremont, Grand Island, Hallam, Hastings, Holdrege, Kearney, Lexington, Nebraska City, Norfolk, Plattsmouth, Rushville, Sutherland, Valentine and Wauneta.
Then came Phase II, our real “cultivating” stage created through community engagement and education and plenty of technical work. Our team traveled to each of the communities listed above to learn about them firsthand, hear their questions and understand what hosting a next generation nuclear facility might look like. Many of those conversations happened over coffee at community-held events at local hotspots. They were honest, thoughtful discussions that reminded us just how much pride Nebraskans have in the places they call home.
We were thrilled to announce on May 20 the top four sites based on necessary infrastructure, siting characteristics and their alignment with current Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) criteria. Those sites are Sutherland, Beatrice, Brownville, and Norfolk. Though these communities revealed strong attributes, all 16 sites remain great candidates for future next generation nuclear development. We’re grateful for the time, insight and hospitality every community shared with us, as well as the relationships built.
Now, to be clear: this isn’t a “planting” decision. Think of it instead as identifying the fields with the healthiest soil. Next, our board will consider whether to pursue an Early Site Permit, which is a first step in a very detailed NRC process toward construction of a new facility. Rest assured, many conversations with these four communities and with state and local representatives are paramount before we decide to move forward with a potential new project.
While we’ve been preparing the ground here at home, momentum has been building at the national level, too. NPPD was recently selected for award negotiations through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Generation III+ SMR Pathway to Deployment Program. This includes $27.8 million in federal cost-shared funding to pursue an NRC-approved Early Site Permit in-state. That support helps reduce early barriers and speeds up the kind of preparation work that makes next generation nuclear possible, much like irrigation helps a young crop flourish.
This effort is strengthened even further by the newly formed Great Plains New Nuclear Consortium, which includes NPPD, Omaha Public Power District, Lincoln Electric System, and the Grand River Dam Authority. Together, we’re using the siting study results to better understand future resource needs and evaluate emerging nuclear technologies and opportunities totaling a potential of 2,000 megawatts across the region.
Of course, while we look ahead, we’re also tending to a facility already producing carbon-free energy within our energy mix: Cooper Nuclear Station. On May 7, Cooper submitted its Subsequent License Renewal application, aiming to extend operations to 2054. This is a major milestone and a testament to the station’s safety, reliability and operational excellence. Cooper continues to anchor our state’s energy landscape and supports everything new we hope to cultivate.
Nebraska’s energy needs are growing. Thanks to thoughtful planning, strong partnerships and deep community engagement, we’re planting the seeds today to ensure we can meet those needs for decades to come. Our collaboration with our local communities, the state of Nebraska and the DED reflects what our state does best: planning ahead, working together and making decisions that are beneficial for all.
With strong roots and steady hands, we’re preparing the next harvest of reliable, sustainable energy for Nebraska’s tomorrow.
Read the full siting study at NextGenNuclearNE.com.
