Nuclear Plans for the Copper Basin
Photo by Casey Horner on Unsplash
Allison Sayer - CRR Staff
Copper Valley Electric Association (CVEA) is working with Seattle-based Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) to explore the possibility of bringing a “micro modular reactor” to the Copper Basin. In a press release, CVEA CEO Travis Million said, “Priorities for CVEA are to study the application of MMR technology in decarbonizing the utility’s energy portfolio, increasing efficiency, lowering the cost of operations and stabilizing winter rates when an increase in diesel generation would be necessary.”
According to the US Department of Energy, microreactors are by definition “factory fabricated, transportable, and self-adjusting.” They are small enough to be transported by truck, fully assembled, to and from their operating sites. The reactors are also designed to require fewer skilled operators on site.
According to a CVEA press release, the partners are currently determining “the feasibility of building the first commercial installation of a Micro Modular Reactor (MMR®) Energy System in Alaska. The study is designed to determine the technical feasibility, social acceptance, location, cost, and operating specifics...” of a potential 10-megawatt system.
The press release continued, “Intentional, community-based conversations to offer opportunities for CVEA members and interested Alaskans to ask questions or provide input on the proposed project will take place over the next several months while technical supports this effort.”
On February 1, Governor Dunleavy introduced legislation that would exempt micro reactors from the legislative siting requirement and multi-agency study currently required for nuclear facilities within the state of Alaska. The senate version of the bill, SB 177, is currently in the Community and Regional Affairs Committee. The house bill, HB 299, is in the Energy Committee.
As this story develops, the Copper River Record will provide continuing coverage.
Disclosure: CVEA is an advertiser in the Copper River Record. CRR neither endorses nor opposes this plan.
