The agreement between Utah, Idaho and Wyoming was signed by the governors on 30 April
The collaboration aims to align energy policies, support private investment, coordinate infrastructure development, address regulatory challenges, and promote workforce training to bolster the energy sector. Cox stated: “Today in Utah, we brought together industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to chart the course for nuclear energy. Our new compact strengthens our shared commitment to aggressively pursue more affordable, reliable energy across state lines.”
Utah recently enacted legislation to support its energy goals, including H.B. 249 Nuclear Power Amendments, which facilitates project financing, workforce development, and regulatory frameworks for nuclear and other energy technologies. Additional laws support advanced transmission technologies and flexible contracts for large energy consumers requiring 100 megawatts or more, ensuring cost allocation protects existing ratepayers.
Concurrently, Holtec International, a small modular reactor developer, signed a cooperation agreement with Utah and Hi Tech Solutions to deploy SMR-300 reactors in Utah and the Mountain West. The plan includes up to 4 gigawatts of capacity in the 2030s, primarily in Utah and Wyoming, with testing at Idaho National Labs. The SMR-300, a pressurized water reactor, produces approximately 300 megawatts of electrical power or 1,050 megawatts of thermal power.
Holtec President of Global Clean Energy Opportunities Rick Springman said: “We are not just delivering nuclear reactors; we have put together a plan to deliver the entire nuclear ecosystem to Utah and the surrounding region, inclusive of EPC delivery of the plants, manufacturing centres to produce major components, and workforce development tied to the specific delivery needs for the programme.”
Holtec and Hi Tech Solutions will establish a training facility in Utah by 2028, focusing on operations, maintenance, and advanced technologies. The facility will collaborate with Utah’s universities and technical schools to develop a skilled workforce. Utah is also designated as the preferred location for a western manufacturing hub for SMR-300 reactors, supporting regional energy infrastructure growth.
The initiatives align with Utah’s Operation Gigawatt, launched by Cox to double the state’s power production within a decade, emphasizing transmission capacity, energy production, and innovation in sources like nuclear and geothermal.
