Open house held in Norfolk on the future of nuclear energy

NORFOLK,Neb. - After multiple open houses across the state, Nebraska Public Power District now has finally come to Norfolk to discuss nuclear energy.

Norfolk is among 16 communities across Nebraska that have been highlighted by the NPPD for a next generation nuclear site.

In a public discussion held on the campus of Northeast Community College, NPPD official Grant Otten said nuclear energy would mean more than efficient energy for the people of Nebraska.

“I look at it from kinda a utility perspective but also the community perspective,” said Otten. “Its a really great Technology it adds a lot of diversity and reliability to our generation fleet but also from a community perspective its a huge economic driver.”

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.

Officials say the selected community will be home to a small modular reactor, but completion of the project wont be for awhile as other tests are being conducted.

“Testory Demonstration reactors being built that are anticipated to come online between 2028 -and 2032 is the last that I heard,” said Otten. “And once those come online those demonstration reactors, then one the technology has proven itself  to function as it needs to and is economically viable thats when you would take that next step to pursue one.”

NPPD is finishing its open House tour with stops in Nebraska city, Plattsmouth and Fremont…