Partnership could use existing infrastructure for SMRs
US nuclear waste specialist EnergySolutions has signed an agreement with the Intermountain Power Agency (IPA) and the state of Utah to explore the development of advanced nuclear power generation at a coal site near Delta, Utah, including potential development of advanced small modular reactors.
A memorandum of understanding says the parties will discuss the possibility of deploying nuclear generation at the site, which already belongs to IPA, a power generating cooperative of 23 municipalities in Utah and six in California.
The site is home to two coal-fired units that are being phased out in favour of a new 840 MW natural gas-fuelled plant.
The new gas-fuelled plant is designed to burn a blend of natural gas and hydrogen, with the hydrogen percentage gradually increasing to achieve 100% hydrogen generation by 2045.
EnergySolutions said the partnership with IPA could leverage existing infrastructure at the site.
Cameron Cowan, IPA general manager, said the site is uniquely positioned for consideration of new nuclear generation.
In December US-based SMR developer Terrestrial Energy signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the siting and deployment of Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) plants at sites owned by EnergySolutions.
