Duke Energy confirms there is no current plan for a nuclear power plant to be built on a plot of land in Levy County, however, the door is left open.
TV20 reported back in 2006 when Duke Energy considered a similar $24 billion project with planned construction starting in 2016. However, the project was canceled due to permit delays and legislative changes.
The original plan which was set to start in 2016, would have been on a 5,000-acre plot of land in Levy County on US Highway 19 owned by Duke Energy.
Controversy arose from the proposal as many people were against the plan due to environmental concerns while some supported it.
However, Levy County officials say they recently discovered regulatory documents filed by Duke Energy in April which indicated the utility is considering building the nuclear power plant on the plot of land in Inglis.
The documents also indicated that this project would not happen until sometime after 2038.
Some residents and business owners looked forward to the operation.
“I am happy to bring the nuclear power plant here, we would get more business and that’s how we survive,” Withlacoochee Motel owner Sam Patel said.
Patel went on to say the workers the construction would bring in during the operation would help his business.
After reaching out to Duke Energy officials, spokesperson Ana Gibbs says there is no current nuclear plan for Duke Energy Florida, but as the need for energy grows, nuclear energy could be an option in the future.
“There is no nuclear currently planned for Duke Energy Florida,” Gibbs said. “The ten-year site plan proposes new solar and upgrading existing generating units. Advanced nuclear overall is still a longer-term option.”
Levy County officials say they believe it is still possible for Duke Energy to use the land for future projects and will remain in contact with Duke Energy for future plans.
Source: WCJB
