The application seeks regulatory approvals to potentially build a new unit adjacent to Entergy’s existing Grand Gulf nuclear station, a reactor that reportedly ranks third among the US’s 104 nuclear plants for total electricity output over its lifetime of commercial operations.
With energy demands rising across the nation, many energy companies are pursuing clean, safe nuclear options through the NuStart consortium and other avenues. The US Department of Energy states that 250 to 500 new baseload power plants, those designed to help meet basic electrical needs, will be needed across the country by 2030.
Although Entergy has made no decision to build a nuclear reactor at this time, seeking the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval and a license will preserve the nuclear option for the future. The Grand Gulf license application uses the GE Hitachi Economic Simplified Boiling Water Reactor technology.
Paul Hinnenkamp, Entergy’s vice president of nuclear business development, said: The licensing and construction process for a nuclear reactor will take several years to complete, so strategically securing a license now will better position Entergy to build, should conditions prove favorable.
