No Nukes – at Least Not Now – for Delaware

A final report has been issued by the Nuclear Energy Feasibility Task Force, which has been studying an option for small modular reactors in the First State. Considered an energy option for Delaware, the Nuclear Energy Feasibility Task Force has said small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) are not a viable short-term solution. Senator Stephanie Hansen, chair of the Task Force, says that this comes after months of deliberation the the Task Force – but they are not ruling nuclear energy out as a part of the long-term strategy.

The Nuclear Energy Feasibility Task Force was created through bipartisan legislation sponsored by State Rep. Jeff Hilovsky (R-Long Neck, Oak Orchard) and State Sen. Bryant Richardson (R-Seaford). The concurrent resolution was approved by the General Assembly last July.

Compared to a traditional, full size nuclear power plant – like Salem in New Jersey, SMRs are smaller, with the largest units producing about 300 MW of electricity—less than a third of the average site-built reactor. They are factory-made with standard components and transported to the build site, making them faster and cheaper options while being more scalable and flexible to meet local demand and blend with the existing power grid. Nuclear power, on a large or small scale, is also the most reliable form of base-load electricity generation while producing no carbon emissions.

However, in the report, the group’s members generally agreed that SMRs will not be available to meet Delaware’s needs for at least a decade, noting that SMRs “would not generate electricity before the mid-to-late 2030s at the earliest.”

Among the task force’s recommendations were the following: 

• Delaware should establish a policy framework for nuclear energy. 
• Conduct technical, environmental, and financing studies.
• Launch public education and outreach efforts.
• Engage with federal regulators to craft and streamline state rules. 
• Interface with local municipal and county government officials to gauge support in their jurisdictions, identify suitable sites, and discuss planning and zoning issues.

“Delawareans are facing rising energy costs, and we must diversify our energy portfolio with renewable and clean technologies that help ease the burden of these increasing rates. After months of robust deliberation with the Nuclear Energy Feasibility Task Force, we concluded that small modular reactors are not a viable short-term solution. But that doesn’t mean nuclear energy should be ruled out as a part of our long-term strategy,” said Senator Stephanie Hansen. “That’s why we need a dedicated body to continue evaluating the feasibility of nuclear energy, reaching out to start a broader public discussion, bringing into the conversation our local governments, looking at all options including how our State can partner with neighboring states to expand nuclear generation. As we navigate the energy challenges of today while planning for tomorrow’s opportunities, our top priority must be ensuring that investments in new energy sources are made responsibly and not on the backs of Delaware ratepayers. I look forward to continuing our work to increase generation in our State and make energy more affordable for Delawareans.”