Possible locations could include former coal sites
Arizona’s three major electric power utilities said they will collaborate to explore adding more nuclear power generation in the state, possibly placing small modular reactors (SMRs) or building large reactor projects at the locations of retiring coal-fired power plants.
Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP), and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) said that they have been “monitoring emerging nuclear technologies and have a shared interest in evaluating their potential” to provide more electricity to meet the growing demand for power across the state.
Officials with Phoenix-headquartered APS said their utility will lead the effort, working with TEP and SRP “to assess a wide range of possible locations,” including at some of the several closed or soon-to-retire coal-fired power stations in the state.
Arizona has one operating nuclear power station, Palo Verde, about 80 km west of Phoenix. Palo Verde, which is owned and operated by APS, has three pressurised water reactors and a total net generation capacity of almost 4,000 MW.
“Energy demand in Arizona is increasing rapidly,” said Ted Geisler, president of APS.
“To ensure a reliable and affordable electric supply for our customers, we are committed to maintaining a diverse energy mix. While new nuclear generation would take more than a decade to develop, the planning and exploration of options must begin now.
“We are partnering with neighbouring utilities to assess the feasibility of new nuclear generation, alongside other resources, to meet the state’s growing energy needs.”
