U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito is pushing for the introduction of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in West Virginia, aiming to position the state as a leader in next-generation energy technology.
Regulatory Discussions and Legislative Support
Capito has been in discussions with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to explore ways to accelerate the approval process for potential nuclear projects in the state. Meanwhile, the West Virginia House of Delegates recently passed House Bill 2205, a bipartisan measure that would grant the West Virginia Public Service Commission the authority to certify SMRs.
This legislative momentum follows the state’s 2022 repeal of its longstanding ban on nuclear power and the passage of the ADVANCE Act in Congress, which Capito co-sponsored. These changes have paved the way for nuclear energy development in the Mountain State.
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A Vision for Repurposing Coal Plants
While nuclear projects require significant investment and lengthy construction timelines, Capito believes West Virginia is well-positioned to repurpose retired coal plants as sites for SMRs. These locations already have access to the existing power grid, making them a practical choice for a transition to nuclear energy.
West Virginia has already seen interest in SMRs from major figures in the energy sector. In 2022, former U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin and tech entrepreneur Bill Gates toured the former Appalachian Power Kanawha River plant, examining its potential for nuclear conversion. Meanwhile, Appalachian Power is actively developing an SMR project in Virginia, signaling a growing regional push toward advanced nuclear solutions.
Looking Ahead
With growing legislative and regulatory support, Capito hopes to move forward with bringing nuclear energy to West Virginia, boosting the state’s energy sector while utilizing existing infrastructure for a cleaner, more efficient power grid .