9 Illinois communities say they're open to new nuclear power plant after Pritzker lifts state morato

[Marlin]

9 Illinois communities say they're open to new nuclear power plant after Pritzker lifts state moratorium

https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/ililnois-new-nuclear-power-plants-communities/

[Core Content]

Nine Illinois communities have expressed interest in hosting new nuclear power plants following the state's decision to lift a decades-long construction moratorium. The state is soliciting interest from developers and local governments to add two gigawatts of capacity to the grid to address projected energy shortfalls and rising demand.

This development signals a shift in state energy policy as Illinois seeks to leverage its existing nuclear workforce and infrastructure. By targeting sites currently hosting nuclear or coal facilities, the state aims to utilize established transmission lines and community support to stabilize the grid, support economic development, and maintain reliable baseload power.

Nine Illinois communities have come forward to say they're interested in hosting new nuclear power plants after Gov. JB Pritzker lifted the state moratorium at the start of this year.

Illinois has opened the door to a new era of nuclear energy generation, but a question remains: Where would new nuclear power plants go? It's an issue that Gov. JB Pritzker directed state agencies to explore this spring, when he signed his first executive order of the year and as the state seeks to stave off projected energy shortfalls that could spur higher energy prices and jeopardize reliability in coming years.

Read the full article at CBS News:
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/ililnois-new-nuclear-power-plants-communities/