Grand Island Advances to Second Phase of NPPD Feasibility Study

Aug 8, 2024 / Spencer Schubert Communications Manager City of GI

Grand Island, Neb. — The City of Grand Island is proud to announce it has been selected as one of 16 sites to proceed to the second phase of a Nebraska Public Power District feasibility study to assess location options for advanced nuclear reactors in Nebraska.

“Being selected as one of 16 locations to move forward in this study is an incredible honor for Grand Island,” Mayor Roger Steele said. “This opportunity places our city at the cutting edge of exploring advanced nuclear technology, which has the potential to bring significant economic and environmental benefits to our community.

The study is funded by $1 million that was originally allocated to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development in 2022, and the DED then awarded the funds to NPPD. In phase one of the study, NPPD assessed the entire state for the best potential candidates to host a Small Modular Reactor, which is an emerging nuclear technology.

“We’re excited to help lay the groundwork for the potential future of this technology in Nebraska,” Nebraska DED Director K.C. Belitz said in an NPPD release. “Electrical generation is key to growing Nebraska’s economy, and this study is the first step in creating a tremendous economic impact to any community where it’s located.”

What’s next is a more in-depth technical evaluation involving detailed field environmental and constructability evaluations and engagement with Grand Island city leaders. Upon completion of phase two, NPPD will shorten the list to 2-4 sites with local support being an important factor.

“Nuclear energy has played a vital role in safely and reliably powering Nebraska for more than 50 years,” said NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent. “NPPD and many other utilities are closely following the progress of these next generation nuclear technologies.”

More on the feasibility study can be found here. The Department of Economic Development along with state leaders will be holding an online press briefing on the advancement to phase two of the study Friday, August 9 at 4 p.m.