By Allison Peck
SUTHERLAND, Neb. — Sutherland could play a major role in Nebraska’s future energy landscape after a new statewide feasibility study identified the Lincoln County community as one of the top locations for potential next-generation nuclear reactor development.
Nebraska Public Power District announced Wednesday that Sutherland, along with Beatrice, Brownville and Norfolk, ranked as the top four communities best suited to host an advanced nuclear facility based on existing infrastructure and federal siting criteria.
The study was conducted at the direction of the Nebraska Legislature, which allocated $1 million to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development for the project. DED later awarded the funding to NPPD, operator of Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville — Nebraska’s only nuclear power generating facility.
Sutherland was one of 16 Nebraska communities evaluated during the two-phase study process. Other communities included Lexington, Kearney, Grand Island, Hastings, Valentine, Holdrege and Nebraska City.
During the second phase, NPPD representatives visited communities across the state to discuss both the siting study and modern nuclear technology with residents.
“During the second phase, our team was able to work with the sixteen communities who allowed us to come talk with the public about both this siting study and nuclear technology as a whole,” said NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent. “Those conversations were positive across the state and are extremely valuable as we highlight the tremendous benefits nuclear power can provide to both a local community and the customers we serve.”
According to NPPD, the technical review relied on current Nuclear Regulatory Commission criteria used to evaluate locations for nuclear generating facilities, including infrastructure availability and overall site suitability.
While the study does not guarantee a nuclear facility will be built in Sutherland, the findings are expected to help shape future discussions about advanced nuclear energy development in Nebraska and the surrounding region.
“As we continue to look at the future of nuclear energy in Nebraska, this study was an important step,” Kent said.
NPPD officials said the study results will also be used by the newly formed Great Plains New Nuclear Consortium, a partnership involving NPPD, Omaha Public Power District, Lincoln Electric System and Grand River Dam Authority focused on evaluating future nuclear opportunities.
“The consortium will be using the siting study results in its evaluation process, and we’re grateful for the foresight of Nebraska’s legislators to conduct this study,” Kent added.
The complete feasibility study is available online at NextGenNuclearNE.com.