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Hastings among communities included in nuclear feasibility study
The City of Hastings is honored to be selected among Nebraska communities within the state feasibility study as Phase 2 of a project assess siting options for new advanced nuclear reactors.
As the Nebraska Department of Economic Development conducts a nuclear plant siting feasibility study, this is one step in a thorough evaluation process.
The study is funded by $1 million that was allocated by the Nebraska Legislature to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development in 2022. The DED then awarded the funds to Nebraska Public Power District to conduct the study.
In Phase 1 of the study, the entire state was assessed for the best potential candidates to host an emerging nuclear technology known as a small modular reactor.
The study’s second phase includes a more in-depth technical evaluation and will involve detailed field environmental and constructability evaluations based on criteria used by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Phase 2 will also include engagement with the communities listed as potentially feasible sites. At the conclusion of Phase 2, the list will be shortened to approximately four sites. Local support will be an important factor for a community to move past the second phase.
Just as the study will be evaluating Hastings and other communities, the City of Hastings will look at whether having an advanced small modular reactor would be the right fit for the community.
Mayor Corey Stutte said Hastings is a good fit to be among communities considered for the next phase of the feasibility study.
“It is no surprise that Hastings was identified as a possible site for a next-generation nuclear power plant,” he said. “Central Community College, Hastings College, and our existing power generation would provide not only the physical infrastructure for such a plant but also the workforce pipeline to help fill the associated technical jobs. While there are no plans on the horizon to construct such a facility, I hope our citizens educate themselves on the potential benefits of next-generation nuclear technology and what it would mean for our local economy and Hastings Utilities ratepayers.”
Published Date: 08/ 8/2024