STATEWIDE, Neb. – The Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is studying 16 Nebraska communities for feasibility of a potential nuclear power plant.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) and NPPD announced Thursday that the 16 communities have been selected for 'Phase 2' of a study of a assessing project siting options for new advanced nuclear reactors.

The study is funded by $1 million that was allocated by the Nebraska Legislature to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development in 2022. The DED then awarded the funds to NPPD to conduct the study.

The sites are near the cities of Beatrice, Brownville, Fremont, Grand Island, Hallam, Hastings, Holdrege, Kearney, Lexington, Nebraska City, Norfolk, Plattsmouth, Rushville, Sutherland, Valentine, and Wauneta.

In Phase 1 of the study, the entire state was assessed for the best potential candidates to host an emerging nuclear technology known as a small modular reactor.

The study’s second phase includes a more in-depth technical evaluation and will involve detailed field environmental and constructability evaluations based on criteria used by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Phase 2 will also include engagement with the communities listed as potentially feasible sites.

At the conclusion of Phase 2, the list will be shortened to approximately four sites. Local support will be a factor for a community to move past the second phase.

A virtual press briefing is scheduled Friday at 4 p.m. including Governor Jim Pillen, DED Director K.C. Belitz and NPPD President/CEO Tom Kent.

The Cooper Nuclear station near Brownsville is currently the only nuclear power plant operating in Nebraska.