nuclear-news

Utah lawmakers seek details on planned nuclear plant in Idaho, Next generation technology on board in 2029? Deseret, 

The Public Utilities, Energy and Transportation committee on Wednesday heard an update on the Carbon Free Power Project that is being pursued by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems — a political subdivision of the state of Utah representing 47 cities or special service districts that provide energy.

Cities and districts invested in the plant have until Oct. 31 — one of several so-called off-ramps — to bow out of the project.

During the committee hearing, Sen. Ron Winterton, R-Roosevelt, shared his concerns over the cities’ financial commitments.

“I want to feel warm and fuzzy” he said, but questioned the technology and potential risks…….

Under both the Obama and the Trump administrations, the NuScale project has received strong financial support, Squires said. The federal energy agency gave NuScale a competitive award of $226 million in 2013 to develop the technology. Two years later, the federal agency gave NuScale $16.7 million for licensing preparation. …….

Critics like the Utah Taxpayers Association, however, say the investment by Utah cities is too risky and they should not be acting as seed investors.

“We are not opposed to nuclear power, we are opposed to the financial risk,” said the association’s vice president, Rusty Cannon. ……….. https://www.deseret.com/utah/2020/9/19/21438026/news-nuclear-plant-in-idaho-lawmakers-seek-details-on-planned-nuscale-uamps