Nebraska Targets Four Finalists For Small Modular Reactor Sites After $1M Feasibility Study

Nebraska’s search for small modular reactor sites is moving forward, with four finalists expected to emerge from a field of 16 candidates. The effort is part of a statewide feasibility study funded by $1 million from the Nebraska Legislature in 2022. The money came from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Nebraska is narrowing 16 small modular reactor site candidates down to four finalists through a state-funded feasibility study.

The Department of Economic Development received the funding and awarded it to Nebraska Public Power District to manage the study. NPPD already operates Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville, which is the state’s only nuclear power plant.

The study is called the Nuclear Plant Siting Feasibility Study Program. Phase 1 reviewed published data on geography and infrastructure across the entire state. That review identified 16 potential sites suited for small modular reactor technology. Sites were identified near Beatrice, Brownville, Fremont, Grand Island, Hallam, Hastings, Holdrege, Kearney, Lexington, Nebraska City, Norfolk, Plattsmouth, Rushville, Sutherland, Valentine, and Wauneta.

Phase 2 is now underway. It involves detailed technical reviews based on Nuclear Regulatory Commission criteria. Teams are also conducting field environmental and constructability evaluations at potential sites. Community support is a key factor in which sites move forward. NPPD reportedly held a public event in Kearney on August 27, 2025, to gather input from residents. The goal is to narrow the list down to two to four finalists.

Small modular reactors are smaller than traditional nuclear plants. They’re known for flexibility, improved efficiency, and enhanced safety features. Nuclear energy provided 19% of U.S. utility-scale electricity generation in 2023. It also supplied 47% of the country’s carbon-free generation that same year. Across the country, 94 reactors are currently licensed to operate in the United States.

NPPD has joined with Omaha Public Power District, Lincoln Electric System, and Grand River Dam Authority to form the Great Plains New Nuclear Consortium. The group is targeting 1,000 to 2,000 megawatts of new nuclear capacity, including small modular reactors.

Officials say new nuclear development could bring jobs and economic growth to host communities. It’s also expected to strengthen Nebraska’s energy reliability and long-term power planning within the Southwest Power Pool market. Residents can visit nextgennuclearne.com to learn more about the program and follow its progress.

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