NEBRASKA CITY- Nebraska City Area EDC is hosting cider and conversation regarding Nebraska City as a potential site for nuclear power generation.

Lisa Walker: “Right now we are one of 16 communities that are being considered. However, they are quickly going to be changing it down to two to four communities.”

Next Generation Nuclear is conducting phase two of its study looking into potential sites for small modular nuclear and is currently gauging community support.

Walker: “To just stay in the game we need to show up. We need to show up and ask questions and find out what is in it for us.”

An open house is scheduled at the Veterans Memorial Building from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Walker said additional energy generation is an important economic development topic and she is excited about the potential for nuclear.

Walker: “It’s clean. It’s what the future is going to hold. I think Nebraska City wants to be considered for that.”

Walker said the nuclear energy expansion would mean high-paying jobs, energy security, economic growth and a dependable, affordable and carbon-free energy system.

 

Here is the EDC's press release

Nebraska City, Neb. – Area residents interested in learning more about next generation nuclear energy are welcome to attend a Cider and Conversation event being held Wednesday, September 24th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Veterans Memorial Building, 810 First Corso, Nebraska City, NE.

Nebraska City was recognized as one of the 16 communities best suited to site a next generation nuclear reactor after phase one of a state funded feasibility study. The study is currently in phase two which includes a more in-depth technical evaluation, that will narrow the list down to two to four sites. In 2022, the Nebraska Legislature allocated $1 million to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) to fund the feasibility study. DED subsequently awarded the funds to Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), which operates Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville—the state’s only nuclear power generator.

This community event will give residents the opportunity to talk with nuclear experts, utility representatives and economic development professionals to learn and ask questions about the next generation nuclear technology and the feasibility study.

“Nebraska City is proud to be one of 16 sites under consideration for the NPPD nuclear generator project. While there are still many steps ahead in the process, this opportunity could bring significant long-term benefits to our community. I encourage residents to attend the open house to learn more, ask questions, and be part of the conversation about what this could mean for Nebraska City’s future.” – Lisa Walker, Executive Director of Nebraska City Area Economic Development Corporation

The purpose of the study’s first phase was to review published data to screen areas with geographic and infrastructure characteristics that would make them potential candidates for an emerging nuclear technology known as a next generation nuclear or small modular reactors (SMR). These technologies offer unique attributes in terms of flexibility, efficiency and safety. Phase one of the study considered areas across the state, including current generation sites.

“As the demand for energy grows, Nebraska is taking action to develop additional sources of base-load power generation,” said Maureen Larsen, Interim Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. “Nuclear power plants can produce clean, reliable energy that’s cost-effective for customers. The State is grateful to support NPPD as it works with communities to identify potential sites for a next-generation nuclear facility.”

 “Next generation nuclear is an advancement of a technology that has already brought tremendous value to Nebraska for more than 50 years through Cooper Nuclear Station. As we move forward with conducting this study on behalf of the state, we want to make sure community members understand how nuclear technology works. We look forward to supporting local community efforts to share with residents the benefits and opportunities next generation nuclear could bring to their area,” noted NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent.

The latest information from the study can be found at nextgennuclearne.com.