Workshop hints at robust support for nuclear expansion in Arizona

Palo Verde, with three reactors and a combined capacity of about 4,000 MWe, is the only nuclear power plant in Arizona. But that could very well change soon if state officials have their way.

Much like other states in the West, Arizona believes nuclear energy is a vital component of the state's future energy portfolio. At a special meeting of the Arizona Corporation Commission on February 24, commissioners, officials, and others in attendance showed broad bipartisan support for expanding nuclear energy.

"Nuclear power is poised for a comeback," said commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson.

About the workshop: The Arizona Corporation Commission has taken a different approach to gauging interest in nuclear power in its state, holding a series of workshops titled "Advancing Nuclear Power Generation in Arizona." The February workshop, which focused on the financial and timing risks of bringing new nuclear projects to Arizona, was the second held by the commission.

The workshop attracted tech and energy officials as well as representatives from the offices of Gov. Katie Hobbs, U.S. Sens. Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly, and U.S. Rep. David Schweikert.

"Nuclear energy is my first love language. And I love seeing that there's so many people out there who feel the same way that I do," said commissioner René Lopez.

"I'm extremely pleased with how our commission's second workshop on advancing nuclear energy in Arizona turned out. It's a nonpartisan issue, it's something we need to move forward on as quickly as possible," added commission chair Nick Myers. "Hearing directly from nuclear subject matter experts that the costs of the AP1000 are coming down is especially encouraging. Lower projected costs mean reduced financial risk for utilities and, most importantly, for their ratepayers. That tells me we are moving closer to making additional nuclear generation a viable option here in Arizona."

State updates: The Arizona Corporation Commission workshop provided attendees and the public with updates on a few items of interest regarding nuclear power in Arizona.

• Officials from the state's three largest utilities-Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, and Tucson Electric Power-said they were still awaiting a decision on their joint application for a $25 million Department of Energy grant that would fund the identification of sites for a small modular reactor and potential preparation of an early site permit application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• Maren Mahoney, director of the Governor's Office of Resiliency, said the governor is working with the commission to outline opportunities that would benefit from emerging energy technologies like advanced reactors as part of its strategic energy plan.
• State Rep. James Taylor (R., Litchfield Park) said six bills are ready to go to the Arizona state Senate that could impact future nuclear expansion, such as reducing zoning roadblocks for SMRs.
• Luis Heredia, the state director for Sen. Kelly, said the senator is working with the NRC as it undergoes significant nuclear regulatory policy changes.
• Arizona Chamber of Commerce president Danny Seiden said 469 new business and expansion projects are in the works in Arizona, including 45 megaprojects. Seiden said he supports nuclear energy expansion because the state needs a diverse energy portfolio that can support its growth in population and business.

Commissioners and others were quick to note that support is coming from both sides of the aisle and from different government bodies, community groups, and organizations.

I'm happy to see the bipartisanship of taking nuclear off the shelf and putting it back on the table," said Lopez.

Commissioners have yet to set a date for the next workshop. Other topics to be discussed at future workshops include the nuclear workforce, supply chain, and public outreach.