Florida regulators conduct workshop on potential nuclear power development

(The Center Square) — Florida regulators recently held a workshop to discuss opportunities for the Sunshine State related to advanced nuclear development.

The Florida Public Service Commission was tasked with analyzing House Bill 1645, passed during the 2024 legislative session. This includes evaluating both the technical and economic feasibility of using advanced nuclear power technologies to meet Florida’s electricity needs.

Cayce Hinton, the director of the Office of Industry Development and Market Analysis at the PSC, said the bill requires the commission to report to the governor and the Legislature by April 1.

According to the Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group, nuclear energy is receiving support through regulatory changes to speed up permitting and government funding offered through tax credits, grants, and loans. However, the group says that these programs will not significantly impact projects for several years.

Dr. Mary Lou Dunzik-Gougar, a professor of nuclear engineering at Idaho State University, said during the workshop that nuclear power offers many benefits.

“There are so many data out there that shows that nuclear is already, and always has been, the safest type of power production,” Dunzik-Gouger said. “You compare it to and not only hydro, coal, natural gas, but even wind and solar. It’s also more environmentally friendly than all of those. So, the data is there, and not everyone is convinced by data, I get that, it’s very emotional.”

Dunzik-Gouger noted there is risk with any type of fuel, but reiterated the risk with nuclear is significantly less than other options like natural gas and coal.

Steve Swilley, the vice president of the Nuclear Electric Power Research Institute said there are a lot of things to consider before embarking on a nuclear project, but noted other countries are forging ahead with building nuclear power plants.

“This same conversation is going around the world, in some parts of the world, they’re doing it,” Swilley said. “China has built high-temperature gas reactors. China’s building 10 to 12 large reactors every year. From groundbreaking to commercial operations, they’re doing it in five years.”

Swilley said the biggest challenges come in the form of regulations, available workforce and time, but added these challenges can be overcome, further noting that nuclear energy is by far one of the safest sources of energy.