A new nuclear project was unveiled on Monday that state leaders said would establish “the state’s first-full scale nuclear ecosystem” in Brigham City.
The project is part of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox’s “Operation Gigawatt” initiative – an initiative to double Utah’s energy production within the next decade.
While details on the project are limited, state and local leaders said the ecosystem will “unite advanced manufacturing, reactor deployment, and workforce development” in partnership with Hi Tech Solutions and Holtec International. Once completed, the project will also offer a pipeline from education to the workforce and add an expected 1,300 jobs after Phase 1.
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“Energy security is national security, and Utah is stepping up to lead,” said Gov. Cox in a statement. “As global competitors like China and Russia race to dominate next-generation energy, Utah is proving that America continues to lead through innovation and strength. This project is about security our nation’s future and showing the world what American energy leadership looks like.”
The Brigham City project is funded through a $750 million private investment and will go through a full and state and federal review, according to city officials.
Mayor Bott said the city has a long history of energy innovation, including providing hydroelectric power. He added with Brigham City being in northern Utah’s aerospace and defense corridor, the city is “well-suited to help power the next generation of Utah’s energy economy.”
Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams added that the project is expected to do more than provide energy for Utah.
“It positions our state as a national energy hub, driving economic growth, attracting new industries and ensuring affordable, dependable power for generations to come,” said Adams.
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