Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor Working Group Report Released

Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – We are excited to share that Governor Greg Abbott and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), have announced the release of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor Working Group’s final report.

The report includes seven key legislative recommendations to position Texas as a global leader in advanced nuclear energy:
 

1. Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Authority: Establish a non-regulatory entity to coordinate Texas’ strategic nuclear vision, implement policy recommendations, and manage state nuclear incentive programs.
2. Texas Nuclear Permitting Officer: Designate a single state-level point of contact to assist developers and businesses in navigating the complex permitting process for advanced nuclear projects.
3. Workforce Development Program: Develop initiatives across community colleges and universities to train a homegrown workforce in nuclear-grade welding, radiological monitoring, reactor operations, and related fields.
4. Texas Advanced Manufacturing Institute: Create a hub to foster innovation and build a robust nuclear supply chain, positioning Texas as a leader in advanced manufacturing technologies.
5. Texas Nuclear Public Outreach Program: Launch a communications initiative to educate Texans on the safety, reliability, and benefits of advanced nuclear energy.
6. Texas Nuclear Energy and Supply Chain Fund: Provide cost-sharing grants to incentivize early development, siting, and manufacturing readiness in the nuclear supply chain.
7. Texas Nuclear Energy Fund: Establish a fund modeled after the Texas Energy Fund to bridge financial gaps and support advanced nuclear power projects.

Read the Report

Governor Greg Abbott is advocating for a renewed focus on nuclear power in Texas, proposing a Texas Nuclear Power Fund to facilitate the development of nuclear power plants. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to position Texas as a leader in advanced nuclear technology and enhance the state’s energy reliability.

Why it matters: As Texas seeks to strengthens energy portfolio, nuclear power offers a reliable and low-emission energy source crucial for meeting growing energy demands across the state.
 

• The report, commissioned by Abbott and headed up at the PUCT by Commissioner Jimmy Glotfelty, suggests several measures to advance nuclear power in Texas, including the creation of a university research network, government grants for the nuclear supply chain, and bolstering the nuclear power industry.

The big picture: The proposed Texas Nuclear Energy Fund would provide taxpayer-backed loans to cover significant portions of nuclear plant development costs, similar to existing support for natural gas facilities.

• Texas currently hosts four large nuclear power units - the two Comanche Peak units and the two South Texas Project units - which combined have an installed capacity of 5,000 MW, producing about 10% of the state’s electricity.
• The proposed loan fund would work similar to a $5 billion loan program lawmakers created in 2023 that offers taxpayer-backed, 3% interest loans to companies that build natural gas power plants. The fund would cover up to 60% of development costs for nuclear projects, with repayment periods spanning 20 to 25 years.
• Institutions like Texas A&M University are playing a pivotal role, setting aside land for small modular reactors and advancing federal permits to facilitate nuclear projects.

Focus: There is a focus on improving public perception of nuclear power, with efforts to counter historical concerns. Industry leaders stress the importance of educating both lawmakers and the public on the safety, reliability, and environmental benefits of nuclear energy.