Port of Long Beach could bring new nuclear power to California for first time in 50 years

[Marlin]

Port of Long Beach could bring new nuclear power to California for first time in 50 years

https://www.pressenterprise.com/2026/08/17/port-of-long-beach-could-bring-nuclear-power-to-california-for-first-time-in-50-years/

[Core Content]

The Port of Long Beach has entered an agreement with the U.S. Maritime Administration to host small modular reactor development by startup Bluecore Energy. The project aims to deploy barge-mounted reactors to provide zero-emission electricity for port operations and vessels, marking a potential return of nuclear power to California.

This initiative highlights the industry shift toward modular designs intended to reduce construction costs and timelines through factory-based assembly. However, the project faces significant hurdles, including an unproven regulatory framework for maritime-based reactors and the historical failure of similar U.S. ventures due to rising capital expenses. Success depends on achieving economies of scale that have yet to be demonstrated in the domestic nuclear sector.

Bluecore Energy is working to develop small modular nuclear reactors that will generate electricity to power the port's operations and vessels,

For the first time in 50 years, California could see a new nuclear power project, following a landmark agreement between the federal government and the Port of Long Beach — and with the help of a new startup.

The deal between the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration — also known as MARAD — and the Port of Long Beach, which was signed last month, will permit a relatively new startup to develop small modular nuclear reactors at the port, which for years has worked to have fully zero-emission operations.

Read the full article at Press Enterprise:
https://www.pressenterprise.com/2026/08/17/port-of-long-beach-could-bring-nuclear-power-to-california-for-first-time-in-50-years/