NJ Takes Major Step Towards Expanding Nuclear Power

New Jersey officials have taken a major step towards the next generation of clean, renewable energy in the Garden State.

On Thursday, Governor Mikie Sherrill met with her administration's Nuclear Task Force for the first time, a committee dedicated to establishing groundwork for new nuclear generation in New Jersey.

The convening of the committee comes months after Sherrill signed Executive Order 2, which declared a State of Emergency to "increase and accelerate development of new power generation to address the electricity supply and reliability crisis." Establishing a Nuclear Task Force was part of this goal, according to the Governor's office.

In April, Sherrill ended a 50-year moratorium on nuclear power in the Garden State, paving the way for technological advancement.

“New Jersey needs more clean, reliable power to lower costs, meet growing demand, and fuel our economy for decades to come. Next-generation nuclear will help us get there at scale,” said Sherrill. “Now, we are laying the groundwork to turn new nuclear power into reality through coordinated, strategic action across state government and with cross-sector stakeholders. We’ve assembled the best of the best on this Task Force, and we are going to take big swings today to secure New Jersey’s energy future tomorrow.”

During the Thursday meeting, the task force established the following five sub-committees:

• "Regulatory & Permitting Framework – Review regulatory and permitting requirements and identify opportunities to streamline the development of new nuclear generation.
• Financing & Deal Structure – Assess financing mechanisms and offtake models to support new nuclear development.
• Supply Chain & Technology Development – Evaluate supply-chain needs and emerging technology opportunities.
• Workforce Growth & Training – Identify workforce and training needs to build the skilled workforce necessary to support the industry.
• Public Trust & Confidence – Develop strategies to engage and educate the public on advanced nuclear power and solicit community input."

According to the Governor's Office, New Jersey already relies on nuclear power to supply 40 percent of the state's electricity. Sherrill says increasing reliance on nuclear power would drive energy costs down in the long term.

So far, 28 states use nuclear energy to some degree, as it has supplied roughly one-fifth of America's power each year since 1990. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, nuclear power is the most reliable energy source and "it's not even close."

“For costs to come down, we need more energy supply," Sherrill said. "New Jersey is well-positioned to be a leader in next-generation nuclear energy to help bring that supply, and we are open for business."

The Sherrill Administration has also created, in coordination with the NJ Board of Public Utilities, NJ Economic Development Authority, and NJ Department of Environmental Protection, a website for residents to learn more about nuclear power in the Garden State.

Nuclear NJ features updates on the government's efforts towards nuclear power, FAQs on the often misunderstood energy source, and more. Click here to visit Nuclear NJ.