There has been much talk about Governor Youngkin’s “moonshot” to build a small modular reactor (SMR) in the coalfields of Southwest Virginia. This was part of his “All the Above” Energy Plan. The LENOWISCO Planning District (District 1) almost immediately responded by facilitating the preparation of a study to determine the feasibility of siting an SMR in the area they represent, Lee County, city of Norton, Wise County and Scott County. They chose seven sites that represent different characteristics of the area and had abundant information available. These sites are NOT currently being considered for siting a facility but again represent the area. The result of the study is that this region scores very well when compared to other regions of the country. Any proposed location will be chosen with input from the developer and the ultimate user of the electricity generated.
In 2022, the United States required over 4.07 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity. In 2023, it was up to 4.18 trillion kWh. This is 2.7% growth. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), approximately 60% of that electricity was provided by Fossil Fuel Power plants. Nuclear makes up another 19% and renewables 21%. Estimations vary about the growth of electrical consumption, but most believe it will at least double by 2050, and with the push for electric vehicles (EV) and the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), it may triple. If the current growth rate continues (2.7% growth per year), 8.59 trillion kWh will be required in 2050.
This region has provided the energy resources necessary for Virginia to grow and thrive for over 100 years. There is no reason we should not continue to provide critical energy resources in the future. With the projected demand growth, we cannot rely on any one technology to provide this electricity. We would be remiss if we did not evaluate all forms of energy. We should be evaluating all forms of energy and not just jump into something because someone says to, but by the same token, we should not dismiss any alternatives just because someone says to.
All the following will be used in the evaluation process: construction cost, operating cost, retirement cost, return on investment, safety, land suitability, location suitability, efficiency, life span, hazardous materials volume, hazardous materials handling and hazardous materials disposal. Safety, in particular, will be an integral element of any prospective nuclear development. In recognition of safety concerns that have arisen as this nuclear conversation begins to take form, the people of Southwest Virginia deserve assurance that their well-being will not be compromised, and the highest safety standards will be adhered to, should a nuclear energy project consider our corner of Virginia for a facility. Environmental responsibility is another cornerstone of the evaluation process. As stewards of this beautiful region, we must be vigilant custodians of our environment. Any potential nuclear energy development will be subject to rigorous scrutiny regarding its impact on our land, air, and water. Stringent measures will be in place to minimize the environmental footprint and potential risks of such a project. Moreover, community input will play a crucial role in shaping the decision-making process. The concerns and aspirations of the local population will be actively sought and given due consideration, ensuring that any development of this kind honors the values and priorities of the people of Southwest Virginia. We must do the necessary research to determine what is best for our region, the state, and the country.
Energy projects do not happen overnight. The due diligence process alone can take three to five years before design is even considered. This is a marathon, not a sprint, therefore it should be considered as such.
Michael Hatfield is county administrator in Wise County.
