New England leaders look to nuclear to ease energy cost. The role CT plays.
The article examines New England’s interest in expanding nuclear power as electricity demand and energy costs rise, while noting financial, regulatory and political obstacles. In Waterford, Connecticut, a previously considered 300-megawatt data center project was abandoned after public opposition and difficulties negotiating a host-fee agreement.
New England governors and state officials are exploring nuclear power, including small modular reactors, as a long-term way to meet rising electricity demand without relying on fossil fuels. The region faces significant barriers, including high construction costs, deregulated electricity markets, restrictions on new reactors and unresolved nuclear-waste issues. Connecticut has partially repealed its nuclear moratorium and created a $5 million site-readiness program, while officials in Waterford are promoting the town as a potential location for advanced nuclear development.
Waterford previously considered hosting a large data center that would have drawn about 300 megawatts directly from the Millstone nuclear plant. First Selectman Robert Brule said the project collapsed because of public opposition and difficulties reaching a host-fee agreement, and he does not plan to revive it while in office. The article also discusses Dominion Energy’s proposed sale to NextEra Energy and Connecticut Attorney General William Tong’s opposition to that merger, citing concerns about regional nuclear-power concentration.