NE Valley Times

Arizona's major electric utilities are collaborating to explore the potential for new nuclear generation in the state. Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP), and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) have announced their joint effort to evaluate nuclear options as a means to meet the increasing energy demand.

The three utilities have been closely monitoring emerging nuclear technologies, focusing on how these can support Arizona's growing energy needs. APS is leading this initiative with SRP and TEP, examining possible sites, including those of retiring coal plants. The companies emphasize that nuclear energy remains an essential part of a balanced energy portfolio due to its reliability and cleanliness.

"Energy demand in Arizona is increasing rapidly," stated Ted Geisler, President of APS. "To ensure a reliable and affordable electric supply for our customers, we are committed to maintaining a diverse energy mix. While new nuclear generation would take more than a decade to develop, the planning and exploration of options must begin now."

Jim Pratt, General Manager and CEO of SRP, added: "SRP is exploring all options to meet the growing energy needs of the Phoenix metropolitan area affordably, reliably and sustainably."

Susan Gray, President and CEO of TEP, remarked: "New nuclear generation could provide Arizona with reliable, around-the-clock carbon-free energy to power economic growth while helping us make progress toward a clean energy future."

The collaboration will look into both small modular reactors (SMRs) and larger reactor projects. SMRs generate up to 300 megawatts per unit compared to 1,400 megawatts produced by each unit at Palo Verde Generating Station.

A grant application has been submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under its Generation III+ Small Modular Reactor program. If approved, it would fund a three-year site selection process aimed at potentially preparing an early site permit application for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

This joint endeavor marks an initial step towards possibly integrating more nuclear power into Arizona's energy landscape by the early 2040s.

APS serves approximately 1.4 million homes across 11 counties in Arizona and aims for 100% clean power by 2050. SRP is the largest electricity provider in Phoenix's metro area serving over one million customers while managing significant water resources. TEP caters to more than 450,000 customers in Southern Arizona as part of Fortis Inc., a leader in North America's regulated utility industry.