Youngkin and other nuclear proponents say Southwest Virginia’s abundant abandoned coal mine land and the need for jobs and economic development make the region an ideal spot for a small modular nuclear reactor. Critics say they’ve been left out of the discussion.
Small Modular Nuclear Reactor
Governor Youngkin is proposing a small modular nuclear reactor in Southwest Virginia
Experts say Virginia is capable of building a small modular nuclear reactor today if approvals were in place. Here’s how.
Small modular nuclear reactors are about a third of the size of typical reactors. There are no SMRs operating in the U.S., but experts say Virginia is equipped to build one if approvals go through.
Gilbert and West Virginia counterpart announce push for small nuclear reactors in rural areas
The announcement comes after Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared support for such a reactor in Southwest Virginia.
Governor wants small modular nuclear reactor in Southwest Virginia
Youngkin says state must be “all in” on nuclear energy.