Arizona’s three largest utilities will collaborate to add nuclear generation as the Grand Canyon State searches for ways to meet skyrocketing power demand.
Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP) and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) announced the partnership Wednesday, saying they have applied for a Department of Energy grant. If approved, that grant would cover a three-year process to select a new site for a nuclear generating facility and potentially the preparation of an early site permit application to federal regulators.
The three utilities say small modular reactors or large nuclear plants could be operating by the early 2040s if permits and financing fall into place.
“Energy demand in Arizona is increasing rapidly,” APS President Ted Geisler said in a statement. “To ensure a reliable and affordable electric supply for our customers, we are committed to maintaining a diverse energy mix. While new nuclear generation would take more than a decade to develop, the planning and exploration of options must begin now.”
