Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference with the Great Plains New Nuclear Consortium and the Siting Feasibility Study?
In 2022, the Nebraska Legislature allocated $1 million to the Department of Economic Development (DED) to provide funds for a feasibility study to assess siting options for new advanced nuclear reactors. 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 to conduct the study on behalf of the State. The next generation nuclear siting feasibility study is evaluating areas within Nebraska, to determine the locations best suited to host a next generation nuclear reactor.
The Great Plains New Nuclear Consortium is a memorandum of understanding between NPPD, Omaha Public Power District (OPPD), Lincoln Electric Systems (LES), and Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) to investigate and develop a project plan for deploying a next generation nuclear facility in Nebraska. The Consortium is not connected to the siting feasibility study but will utilize the results of the siting feasibility study during the evaluation and planning process.
Does this consortium preclude the participating utilities from developing nuclear projects on their own?
No. While the consortium allows for collaboration and potential cost sharing opportunities for new nuclear generation infrastructure, each utility retains the flexibility to pursue nuclear or other generation options independently as individual utility plans warrant. We recognize that utility and community needs vary, and each utility must be able to respond with the right resources at the right time.
Does this mean a new nuclear plant is being built?
Not at this time. This is a planning-only initiative. The consortium is exploring the feasibility of advanced nuclear technologies. No construction or investment decisions have been made to date.
Why are these utilities exploring nuclear now?
With rapid load growth, rising reliability requirements and long lead times to build new generation, we must evaluate all viable options so we can continue to serve our customers reliably and affordably in the years ahead.
What kind of nuclear technology is being studied?
The consortium is evaluating Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as well as other new nuclear technologies that designed to have enhanced safety features, more flexibility, and greater scalability than traditional reactors.
Where would a plant be located?
No site has been selected. Preliminary siting work is underway to evaluate potential locations. Any future site decision would include standard approval processes that include but is not limited to environmental review, public input, and each utility’s board approval.
How much is this costing?
Each utility is funding its own early-stage planning work. The consortium has not made any financial commitment currently beyond self-funding preliminary study work. Any future investment would require each utility’s board approval and public engagement processes.
Will this affect customer rates?
There is no anticipated rate impact at this early-stage planning effort.
Is nuclear safe?
Yes. All nuclear facilities in the U.S. are regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The technologies being studied are designed with enhanced safety features and are subject to rigorous oversight.
What about used nuclear fuel?
All used nuclear fuel is managed under strict federal regulations. As the consortium work progresses towards technology selection, more details will be known about the used fuel characteristics and storage requirements. Advanced nuclear generation facilities will have similar requirements as existing nuclear generation plants regarding used nuclear fuel. Additionally, some of the new nuclear designs are designed to use recycled fuel from existing nuclear power plants.
Is this related to other current generation project decisions?
This is a long-term planning initiative and is not tied to any specific near-term generation decisions by the individual utilities. It complements each utility’s broader energy strategy.
How does this align with each utility’s carbon emission goals?
All participating utilities continue to invest in diverse portfolios with generation mixes that suit their individual utility’s needs. This effort is about strengthening a balanced and diversified generation portfolio that maintains long-term reliability and affordability for the future.
Why these four utilities?
OPPD, NPPD, LES, and GRDA are four large public power utilities within the Southwest Power Pool footprint and share values, overlapping infrastructure and a history of collaboration. Working together helps reduce costs, improves planning, and potentially provides shared resources to meet the utilities’ and Southwest Power Pool needs.
What’s the timeline?
The consortium is in the planning phase. Key milestones include site evaluation, technology selection and potentially applying for an Early Site Permit. No construction or investment decisions have been made.