New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has signed legislation to remove a key obstacle to new nuclear power and to launch a new Nuclear Task Force. Currently, the Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) blocks new permits for the construction and operation of new nuclear energy facilities by requiring an approved method by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for radioactive waste disposal, which cannot be met. The new legislation resolves the issue by allowing approval of permits based on safe, NRC-compliant waste storage.
With the moratorium lifted, the newly formed Nuclear Task Force will begin its work of advancing the state’s pursuit of new nuclear energy. It will convene leaders from government, industry, the environment, and labour to explore opportunities based on five focus areas: financing; supply chains and technology development; workforce growth and training; regulatory and permitting framework; and public trust and confidence.
“For costs to come down, we need more energy supply. New Jersey is well-positioned to be a leader in next-generation nuclear energy to help bring that supply, and we are open for business,” said Governor Sherrill. “By lifting outdated barriers and bringing together leaders across government, industry, and labour, we’re setting the stage for our state to pursue new advanced nuclear power. This will help New Jersey secure a stronger, cleaner, more affordable, and reliable energy future – while keeping the state at the forefront of innovation, job creation, and economic growth.”
New Jersey currently has two operating NPPs Salem and Hope Creek, both in the same nuclear complex in Lower Alloways Creek, providing 40% of the state’s electricity and 80% of its carbon-free energy. The Salem plant, with two 1,150 MWe pressurised water reactors, opened in 1977. Hope Creek, a single unit 1,170 MWe boiling water reactor, began operating in 1986. Both stations are owned by the utility PSEG. Exelon’s Oyster Creek NPP in Lacey Township shut down in 2018.
New Jersey has become the sixth state in the last decade, and the second this year, following Illinois, to fully repeal its moratorium on building new nuclear power stations. The other states are Wisconsin (2016), Kentucky (2017), Montana (2021) and West Virginia (2022).
A number of US states are pursuing or expanding nuclear power, driven by rising energy demand to serve data centres and net-zero goals, notably Texas, Wyoming, Virginia, Illinois and New York. Earlier in April governors from the six New England states agreed to direct their state energy agencies to explore advanced nuclear energy technology to address region’s long-term energy needs.
