Many have talked about the “moonshot”, which Governor Youngkin has undertaken to build a small-modular reactor (SMR) on the coalfields in Southwest Virginia. It was part of the “All the Above” Energy Plan. The LENOWISCO Planning District, District 1, responded almost immediately by facilitating a feasibility study to determine whether an SMR could be located in the areas they represent: Lee County, the city of Norton and Scott County. The seven sites selected were representative of different characteristics in the area, and they had a lot of information. The sites selected are not being considered at this time for the siting of a facility, but they do represent the region. This region scored very highly when compared with other regions in the country. The developer will have input on the location of any proposed project, as well as the end user.
In 2023 it will be up to 4,18 trillion kWh. This represents a 2.7% increase. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, approximately 60% of this electricity was supplied by Fossil Fuel Power Plants. Nuclear power accounts for 19% of the total, and renewables account for 21%. Most estimates are that electrical consumption will double or triple by 2050. If the current growth rate (2.7% per year) continues, 8.59 trillion kWh of electricity will be needed in 2050.
Over the past 100 years, this region has been a vital source of energy for Virginia’s growth and prosperity. We have no reason to stop providing vital energy resources into the future. We cannot rely solely on one technology for electricity, given the projected growth in demand. We would be negligent if we didn’t evaluate all forms energy. We should evaluate all forms of energy, and not jump in to something just because someone tells us to. On the other hand, we shouldn’t dismiss any alternative just because someone tells us to.
The following factors will be considered in the evaluation: cost of construction, cost of operation, cost of retirement, return on investments, safety, land suitability and location suitability; efficiency; life span; volume hazardous materials, handling hazardous materials, and disposal hazardous materials. Any future nuclear development will include a focus on safety. Southwest Virginians deserve assurances that their safety will not be compromised and that the highest safety standards are adhered to if a nuclear energy facility considers our corner of Virginia. The evaluation process also includes environmental responsibility. We must protect our environment as stewards in this beautiful area. The impact of any potential nuclear energy project on the land, air and water will be closely examined. To minimize the impact on the environment and any potential risks, strict measures will be implemented. Community input will also play a key role in the decision-making. We will actively seek out and consider the concerns and aspirations from the local community, to ensure that any such development honors the values of and prioritizes of the people in Southwest Virginia. We must conduct the research necessary to determine what’s best for our area, the state and the nation.
Projects in the energy sector do not come about overnight. It can take up to five years for the due diligence alone before even considering design. It is important to remember that this is a marathon and not a sprint.
Michael Hatfield, county administrator of Wise County.
