In-depth studies to start as company aims for early site permit
US-based EnergySolutions is to begin initial planning and scoping activities to support the pursuit of an early site permit from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for new nuclear at the Kewaunee nuclear power station site in Wisconsin.
EnergySolutions said on 13 May it is working with WEC Energy Group, a Wisconsin-based public utility, to explore new nuclear generation at the site.
It said now plans to carry out in-depth studies related to the Kewaunee site and environmental considerations, with the aim of securing NRC permits.
EnergySolutions president and chief executive officer Ken Robuck said that with rising energy demand driven by data centres, artificial intelligence and industrial growth, the need for reliable, carbon-free power has never been greater.
“By bringing our nuclear licensing and project development expertise to the table, we look forward to supporting WEC in the early planning stages for new nuclear generation in Wisconsin,” he said.
In December, EnergySolutions signed a memorandum of understanding with Terrestrial Energy to collaborate on the siting and deployment of Terrestrial’s Integral Molten Salt Reactor plants at sites owned by EnergySolutions.
Last month it signed an agreement with the Intermountain Power Agency (IPA) and the state of Utah to explore the development of advanced nuclear power generation at a coal site near Delta, Utah, including potential development of advanced small modular reactors.
Kewaunee, a 566 MW pressurised water reactor, began commercial operation in 1974 and was sold to Dominion by Wisconsin Public Service and Wisconsin Power & Light in July 2005.
Salt Lake City-based EnergySolutions acquired the plant – which shut down in 2013 and is undergoing decommissioning – from Dominion Energy in 2022.
Wisconsin’s only operating commercial nuclear power station is Point Beach, which has two units that came online in 1970 and 1972. Owner and operator NextEra says Point Beach generates about 16.5% of all electricity produced in the state.
