New Jersey has begun work on a state initiative to develop new nuclear power generation, establishing five groups that will examine financing, permitting, technology, workforce needs and public engagement.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill convened the first meeting of the state’s Nuclear Task Force on Oct. 1, nearly six months after signing legislation that removed a permitting barrier to construction of new nuclear facilities.
The task force reviewed a draft charter and established five subcommittees focused on regulatory and permitting requirements; financing and deal structures; supply chains and technology development; workforce growth and training; and public trust and engagement.
The state also launched Nuclear NJ, a website intended to serve as a central source of information about New Jersey’s nuclear energy initiatives.
Sherrill established the Nuclear Task Force through Executive Order 2 on her first day in office in January. The order also directed state agencies to pursue other measures intended to increase electricity generation, including accelerating solar and battery storage projects and reviewing permitting requirements for energy development.
In April, Sherrill signed legislation changing provisions of the state’s Coastal Area Facility Review Act that had effectively prevented new nuclear power plants from receiving permits.
The previous law required a method approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for disposal of radioactive waste before permits could be issued for a new nuclear facility. The legislation allows the state Department of Environmental Protection commissioner to approve permits based on waste-storage methods that comply with NRC requirements.
New Jersey took another step toward potential construction in July when Sherrill signed legislation establishing a process to solicit proposals for new nuclear generation. The law includes provisions requiring projects to secure federal financing and demonstrate a net benefit to ratepayers, as well as public comment periods and a hearing in any municipality proposed for a project.
No new nuclear plant has been selected through those efforts.
Existing nuclear plants provide more than 40 percent of New Jersey’s electricity and roughly 80 percent of its carbon-free electricity, according to the state.
The Nuclear Task Force includes representatives from state government, the energy industry, organized labor and environmental organizations. Its members include officials from the Board of Public Utilities, Department of Environmental Protection and Economic Development Authority, as well as representatives of PSEG Nuclear, Holtec, the Natural Resources Defense Council and labor organizations.
The five subcommittees will examine how new nuclear projects could be permitted and financed, assess emerging technologies and supply-chain requirements, identify workforce and training needs and develop strategies for public engagement.
The Nuclear NJ website, developed by the Board of Public Utilities, Economic Development Authority and Department of Environmental Protection, will provide updates on that work along with information about nuclear safety, workforce opportunities and other aspects of potential nuclear development.
Photo by Wolfgang Weiser from Pexels
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