New Hampshire is taking a fresh look at nuclear power. Governor Kelly Ayotte recently signed an executive order asking the state’s Department of Energy to figure out how to bring next-generation nuclear technology to the “Granite State.”

The goal is to find ways to make electricity cheaper and more reliable. Right now, nuclear energy already does a lot of the heavy lifting in New Hampshire, making up about 57% of the state’s electricity generation. Most of that comes from the Seabrook Station, which has been running since 1990. But the state wants to see what’s next, especially with new tech like small modular reactors hitting the scene.

Planning the Future

The Department of Energy has been tasked with creating a “nuclear roadmap.” This plan will look at the small details, like who is willing to pay for these projects and what laws might be standing in the way.

Governor Ayotte says the main focus is the bottom line for residents.

“Granite Staters’ electric bills are way too high, and bringing next-generation nuclear power to our state will help expand our energy supply and bring down costs for families,” she said. “Today, I’m directing our Department of Energy to bring together stakeholders, lawmakers and organizations focused on nuclear generation to ensure New Hampshire is at the forefront of this pivotal technology.”

Small But Advanced Reactors

This advanced reactor push comes at a time when big tech and data centers are hungry for power. NextEra Energy, the company that runs Seabrook, has already said it is looking into adding small modular reactors at its sites. These smaller units are often easier to build and can be tucked into existing power plant footprints.

The state’s energy commissioner, Jared Chicoine, thinks this is a win for the local economy.

“New Hampshire consistently seeks ways to bolster innovation, enhance grid reliability, and increase energy affordability,” he said. “The next generation of nuclear power has the potential to provide both our state and our region with economic benefits while increasing in-state generation.”

Chicoine added, “At the direction of Governor Ayotte, the Department of Energy is looking forward to exploring the future of nuclear energy in New Hampshire.”

We should see a preliminary plan within the next six months, with a final report due in two years.