One more state entered the competition with Oklahoma for development of U.S. Energy Department nuclear campuses across the nation.
West Virginia signed a memorandum of understanding much like Oklahoma did earlier this year. It is the sixth state chosen for a possible Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus initiative, part of a federal effort to modernize the nation’s full nuclear fuel cycle by co-locating functions such as fuel fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing used nuclear fuel, and disposition of waste, according to the DOE.
“This is a major opportunity for West Virginia to help lead America’s nuclear renaissance and bring another generation of investment and good-paying jobs to our state,” Gov. Patrick Morrisey said reported West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
“President Trump and [Energy] Secretary [Chris] Wright understand that America needs abundant, reliable energy and a strong domestic nuclear industry to compete and win. West Virginia has powered this country for generations, and we have the resources, workers and industrial capabilities to help build America’s nuclear future right here at home.”
Morrisey said the memorandum sends a clear message to America’s energy industry.
“Come to West Virginia. If you’re building advanced reactors, we want to talk to you. If you’re manufacturing nuclear components, we want to talk to you. If you’re building advanced reactors, we want to talk to you. We want to work with you,” Morrisey said. “If you’re looking for a state with abundant energy, many skilled workers, natural resources, and an administration that has a red tape cutting machine that’s second to none, we’re here for you and we’re working with you.”
Earlier this year, Idaho, Tennessee, Utah, Oklahoma and Louisiana were announced as potential host states. Oklahoma was one of the five finalist states to compete for the Innovation campus, considered to be the first of its kind effort that would bring the full cycle nuclear energy ecosystem together in one location.
U.S. Energy Secretary Christ Wright announced in late July he had signed Memorandums of Understanding with Oklahoma and the four other states to continue exploring opportunities to host Innovation Campuses and support President Trump’s bold vision for American energy dominance and national energy security.
“I’m pleased to announce that after reviewing 28 applications from 26 states, the Energy Department has selected five initial contenders to further explore building Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses,” Secretary Wright said. “These campuses will be massive generators of economic growth, create thousands of high-paying jobs, and be crucial to unleashing America’s nuclear renaissance. The innovative concept is a direct result of President Trump’s leadership and ambitious directives to restore the domestic nuclear fuel cycle and get America’s nuclear industry growing again.”
