There has been much discussion and serious debate in the last several years in Jefferson City concerning the future of our energy sources. Our coal plants are aging, wind energy is inadequate for a consistent supply and other sources of energy are extremely expensive to develop. The cost of permits for nuclear energy development and construction has been debated and many of you have heard of the expressed need from Ameren to start collecting money up front if they were to go ahead with plans to build another nuclear plant. Many are reluctant to do anything that may raise the rates of energy in Missouri and compromises have stalled. Missouri has some of the cheapest rates in the country at this time but we realize that with the growing demand for energy, we may have to start purchasing power from out of state sources and the prices are sure to rise.
Last week brought some welcome news for Missouri. Our state’s cooperative, municipal and investor-owned utilities have announced that they will collaborate with Westinghouse to apply for $450 million of Department of Energy (DOE) investment funding. If successful, these funds will support first-of-its-kind engineering, design certification and licensing for small modular nuclear reactors, or SMRs.
Westinghouse, an international leader in nuclear technology and the development of these cutting edge SMRs, chose Missouri’s electric service providers and the Callaway Energy Center as their ideal partners in this endeavor. The engagement by citizens and businesses on behalf of a strong nuclear energy future in Missouri played a significant role in helping create the environment needed to bring this partnership to our state.
Nuclear power remains one of our state’s best options for keeping electric rates low in the long term and this project will keep nuclear power an option for the state. With an aging infrastructure presently supplying our energy and increasing federal regulation, we must continue to explore all viable options. This project could also bring important economic development benefits as a result of the development of the SMR technology, with job growth opportunities related to manufacturing, engineering, and training centers.
SMR technology has been around for decades, largely used to power nuclear submarines and naval vessels. Using this technology for electric generation is safe, and costs less to construct compared to traditional nuclear units.
This project is dependent on the support of the Department of Energy to supply investment funds, however, the collaborative efforts and the strong possibilities that arise are exciting and may open more doors relating to future energy sources. We must continue to expand and diversify our energy sources for the future if we are to remain competitive and have the advantage of reasonable rates for our citizens.
If you have questions, you may reach me at my Capitol number 573-751-9465, at the local district number, 660-582-4014, by email at mike.thomson@house.mo.gov or by mail at Room 401B State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
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