NORFOLK, Neb.- The City of Norfolk is holding a public discussion about the possibility of next generation nuclear energy coming to the city, the latest of open houses across the state of Nebraska from Hastings to Fremont.

The event is being held at the Lifelong Learning Center on the campus of Northeast Community College, Thursday, September 18th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This community event will give residents the opportunity to talk with nuclear experts and utility representatives to learn and ask questions about the next generation nuclear technology and the feasibility study.

Nebraska Public Power District President and CEO Tom Kent is excited about bringing more nuclear energy to Nebraska.

“Next generation nuclear is an advancement of a technology that has already brought tremendous value to Nebraska for more than 50 years through Cooper Nuclear Station,” said Kent. “As we move forward with conducting this study on behalf of the state, we want to make sure community members understand how nuclear technology works. We look forward to supporting local community efforts to share with residents the benefits and opportunities next generation nuclear could bring to their area,”

Norfolk was recognized as one of the 16 communities best suited to site a next generation nuclear reactor after phase one of a state funded feasibility study. 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.

Other communities being considered are Valentine, Rushville, Lexington, Sutherland, Wauneta, Holdrege, Kearney, Grand Island, Norfolk, Hallam, Beatrice, Brownville, Nebraska City, and Plattsmouth. 

The Nebraska Legislature In 2022, allocated $1 million to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) to fund the feasibility study. DED subsequently awarded the funds to NPPD, which operates Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville—the state’s only nuclear power generator.

The purpose of the study’s first phase was to review published data to screen areas with geographic and infrastructure characteristics that would make them potential candidates for an emerging nuclear technology. Phase one of the study considered areas across the state, including current generation sites.