New England governors announce joint support for nuclear energy

Millstone's two pressurized water reactors in Waterford, Conn., and Seabrook's single PWR in Seabrook, N.H., are the only power reactors in operation in the New England region, with total capacities at Millstone and Seabrook of 2,122 and 1,248 Net MWe, respectively.

The region's governors, though, may seek to expand these numbers. The governors of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont issued a joint statement in support of exploring next-generation nuclear energy technologies. The bipartisan announcement also urges continued support for local nuclear facilities like Millstone and Seabrook.

The statement points out regional grid ISO New England's projections that electricity consumption will increase in the region more than 40 percent over the next 20 years, with winter peak demand projected to double by 2045. To meet this projected demand, the states must find other options, and "advanced nuclear technologies show promise in their ability to contribute safely and reliably to the resource mix," the statement says.

"Adequate electricity supply is critical to growing our economies, preserving public health and safety, powering our homes and businesses, and stabilizing consumer prices as demand for electricity rises across the region. As governors, we are committed to safeguarding our collective energy future through advancement of a diverse energy strategy that includes nuclear power, a pillar of New England's electric system."

In focus: The governors focus on two targets:

• Continuing the "safe, affordable, and reliable operation of our region's existing nuclear generation facilities" by working with ISO New England, facility owners, federal agencies, and other state and regional groups and individuals.
• Figuring out how to deploy advanced nuclear reactors in interested states and communities. The governors will direct their respective state energy offices to explore "innovative financing structures; federal funding and financial support opportunities; public-private partnerships; and regulatory designs."

The goal is to reconvene as a region to share and solicit information and public input. According to their statement, the governors want local and regional voices to dictate the direction of these endeavors and decisions.

"This will ensure that the decision of whether and where to site new nuclear facilities is made by individual states with their local communities," the statement says.

New England efforts: Along with Millstone and Seabrook, the governors tout the region's role in fission and fusion advancements through university research and private investment and support for the country's nuclear submarine fleet.

Several of the states have advanced efforts and initiatives recently:

Connecticut-State lawmakers enacted a law that creates a community-driven pathway for advanced nuclear energy development where communities can opt in to host advanced nuclear facilities pending local approval.

Massachusetts-Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order committing to bring 10 GW of new power capacity on line, under contract, or under development by the end of 2035.

New Hampshire-Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed an executive order directing the New Hampshire Department of Energy to bring lawmakers, industry experts, and other interested parties together to craft a nuclear roadmap.

Rhode Island-State lawmakers passed legislation that added nuclear energy as an eligible resource under the state's Affordable Clean Energy Security Act. The update allows Rhode Island to participate in a New England nuclear energy procurement program.