EnergySolutions to seek early site permit for Kewaunee

While neither company has indicated what reactor technology will be pursued for the site, EnergySolutions said it intends to execute a structured, multiyear, multiphase approach that includes initial planning and scoping activities. EnergySolutions, which acquired Kewaunee from Dominion Energy in 2022 for decommissioning, also plans to conduct in-depth studies of the site with the goal of securing NRC permits.

Local support: Wisconsin has seen bipartisan support for expanding nuclear power in the state, with Gov. Tony Evers proposing a $1 million study on citing possible locations for a new nuclear plant and legislators offering bills that would further advance such studies. Currently, the only nuclear power plant operating in the state is NextEra Energy’s two-unit Point Beach plant. Kewaunee, a single-unit pressurized water reactor, shut down in 2013 due to financial reasons.

Corporate support: Known for its decommissioning and nuclear waste management services, EnergySolutions announced in 2023 that it was expanding its offerings to support the new construction of U.S. nuclear power plants, including the possible use of former nuclear sites acquired by the company for decommissioning. In addition to Kewaunee, EnergySolutions is leading the decommissioning of Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island Unit 2, the San Onofre nuclear plant in California, and the Fort Calhoun nuclear plant in Nebraska.

According to EnergySolutions, the company’s experience in regulatory support and project management across the U.S. and Canada makes it well-positioned to support WEC in its pursuit of nuclear power.

In April, the company signed a memorandum of understating with the Intermountain Power Agency and the state of Utah to explore the development of advanced nuclear power generation at a former coal-fired plant in that state.

Quotes: “With rising energy demand driven by data centers, artificial intelligence, and industrial growth, the need for reliable, carbon-free power has never been greater,” said Ken Robuck, president and CEO of EnergySolutions. “By bringing our nuclear licensing and project development expertise to the table, we look forward to supporting WEC in the early planning stages for new nuclear generation in Wisconsin.”

“The new nuclear generation will provide Wisconsin an important source of carbon-free, 24/7 generation to help meet the state’s growing power demand, and provide customers energy security and stability,” WEC said in a statement to Nuclear Newswire.