Energy Northwest has announced a $10m (€9m) agreement with Puget Sound Energy to accelerate a programme examining the feasibility of developing and deploying a next-generation nuclear energy facility in Washington state.

Energy Northwest, a joint operating agency of 28 public utility districts and municipalities across Washington state, said state policies requiring a substantial increase in clean electricity are leading utilities to evaluate potential sources of new clean energy generation and nuclear energy possesses “many of the key attributes vital to establishing a reliable, emissions-free electric grid”.