New Nuclear Site Could Be In South Jersey: Report

SALEM COUNTY, NJ — A new nuclear reactor may be on the way for South Jersey as the state looks for more answers to higher energy costs, according to NJ Advance Media.

A new facility could be added near the Salem Nuclear Power Plant in Lower Alloways Creek Township, Governor Mikie Sherrill said, which is one of only six areas in the United States cleared for new nuclear power initiatives.

Subscribe

The plant shares an artificial island in the Delaware River with the Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Station.

"It was always anticipated we'd build another nuclear reactor down there," Sherrill added.

The growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technology has taken major resources, like large amounts of water and electricity, into the wave of new data centers nationwide.

These advancements are being felt by consumers in the form of higher hits to the wallet from the energy bills each month.

On April 8, Sherrill signed a law that allows the creation of new nuclear energy development in the state, ending a 40-year ban on the practice.

In collaboration, the state's new Nuclear Task Force to oversee such activities was created.

The new law also allows the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection commissioner to not be bound by the Coastal Area Facility Review Act and approve permits from operators.

This is contingent on a demonstration that their nuclear waste can be safely stored.

Critics of the new law include the Green Party of New Jersey (GPNJ), an eco-social advocate group that fights for the advancement of clean energy and grassroots democracy in the face of decisions made by states and political parties.

"In this case, they are selling out the safety of hundreds of generations to come,' said Barry Bendar, chair of elections at the GPNJ.

According to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, however, the public is adequately protected, and the environment is also safe from the fuels left from nuclear operations that are removed from pools and placed in dry storage casks.

Along with the Hope Creek facility, the Salem Nuclear Power Plant produces more than 40 percent of New Jersey's electricity and around 80 percent of its pollution-free power, the state said.

MORE FROM PATCH: Man Beat To Death With Baseball Bat, NJ Teen To Be Tried As Adult

HAVE A STORY IDEA OR NEWS TO SHARE? Contact Editor Eddie Callahan at edward.callahan@patch.com to connect with Patch in your area.