West Virginia’s governor announced Tuesday that the state has signed a memorandum of understanding to become one of six states participating in an initiative aimed at investing in nuclear energy.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey said in a news release the move makes West Virginia the sixth state to participate in the Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus initiative, which is aimed at creating an opportunity for nuclear energy investment, advanced manufacturing and new jobs in the state.
“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,” Morrisey said in the news release. “President Trump and Secretary 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.”
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Energy selected Idaho, Tennessee, Utah, Oklahoma and Louisiana as potential host states. Morrisey said West Virginia then worked with the DOE to join the initiative.
According to the news release, Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus could support activities across the full nuclear fuel lifecycle, including fuel fabrication and enrichment, reprocessing and recycling used nuclear fuel, advanced reactor deployment, power generation, research and advanced manufacturing.
Morrisey said the initiative goes hand-in-hand with West Virginia’s ability to produce steel, which would be needed to build the nuclear supply chain. He said the move could provide new opportunities for the state’s metallurgical coal and natural gas industries as well.
“We aren’t interested in simply being the sixth state on a list,” Morrisey said. “We’re at the table, and now we’re going to compete. To the companies building America’s nuclear future, our message is simple: Come to West Virginia.”
The memorandum of understanding establishes a framework for West Virginia and DOE to evaluate potential locations, infrastructure and workforce advantages, as well as engage communities and industry partners about a potential agreement. It does not guarantee that any developments will come to the state.
Source: Fox 8