Could nuclear power return to Vernon?

[Marlin]

Could nuclear power return to Vernon?

https://vtdigger.org/2026/10/22/could-nuclear-power-return-to-vernon/

[Core Content]

State officials are considering the Vermont Yankee site in Vernon as a potential location for a small modular reactor. Vermont Public Service Commissioner Kerrick Johnson told local leaders that new nuclear technology could help address rising electricity demand and climate goals, though any project remains at least seven years away.

The former 506-megawatt plant shut down in 2014 and is currently undergoing site cleanup and decommissioning. Reusing the location offers significant value to the regional power grid due to existing transmission infrastructure and switchyards. Any future development would require explicit local and state approval, while local stakeholders continue to weigh potential economic benefits against long-standing concerns regarding radioactive waste storage.

The state is considering whether a small modular reactor could replace Vermont Yankee, though any project remains years away and would require local support.

This story by Susan Smallheer was first published in the Brattleboro Reformer on Oct. 22, 2026.

VERNON — There could be another nuclear reactor in Vernon's future.

Vermont Public Service Commissioner Kerrick Johnson told the Vernon Selectboard on Tuesday evening that a new, small modular nuclear reactor might be a good fit at the Vermont Yankee site, which is almost cleared of the former 600-megawatt reactor that shut down in 2014.

Read the full article at VTDigger:
https://vtdigger.org/2026/10/22/could-nuclear-power-return-to-vernon/

[Rennhack]

or... maybe... don't shut down the one you had that worked just fine...

[fiveeleven]

Having witnessed the last fuel assembly in the upender at Kewaunee circa 2013 - those same words uttered many times.Great job on the instrument data base Mike!

[Rennhack]

Having witnessed the last fuel assembly in the upender at Kewaunee circa 2013 - those same words uttered many times.Great job on the instrument data base Mike!

Thank you!  If you have any idea on how to improve the site, I'm excited to develop more.