Commentary on article by Representative Schneller:
The article below neglects to point out that House Science Technology and Energy Committee (Of which I am a member) Chairman, Michael Vose, has guided Committee and full House efforts to bring Nuclear options to the forefront of NH Energy policy. Because the Seabrook nuclear power plant was originally commissioned to include a second reactor on the Seabrook site, NH is far ahead of most states in a nuclear program development effort. The legislative lattice work has been constructed to support rejuvenated momentum for a Small Modular Reactor program. Such an effort may be moved forward when the necessary Executive leadership drives a nuclear project, if feasible, that will likely take as long as seven to ten years to complete.
A summary of the article follows along with the link:
Eastern U.S. states, facing challenges with offshore wind projects, are exploring nuclear power as a backup option. The Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative (ANFMI), which includes states like New York and Maryland, aims to advance new nuclear reactors by promoting supportive policies and collaborative efforts. Despite this, experts remain cautious about significant nuclear growth, citing uncertainties in federal support and project execution. States are focusing on coordinating nuclear siting and leveraging retired energy sites, but achieving carbon-neutral power goals by 2035 remains uncertain, with experts questioning if nuclear alone can fill the gap.
“Once some SMR projects move forward with final investment decisions and there is some confidence that they will be successful, you’ll start to see more,” Qvist said.