Commissioners with the Florida Public Service Commission in late March approved the Advanced Nuclear Power Feasibility Report containing findings and recommendations for potential legislative or administrative actions to enhance use of advanced nuclear technologies.
The report was delivered to Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Legislature, as required, by April 1, 2025.
In 2024, the governor enacted a law requiring the Commission to study and evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of using advanced nuclear power technologies, including small modular reactors, to meet the electrical power needs of the state. The report must also include research to encourage and foster the installation and use of these technologies at military installations in partnership with public utilities.
A PSC workshop on Nuclear Power Technologies, held in September 2024, included presentations from the Electric Power Research Institute, Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear, and Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group that provided insight into the economics, opportunity, feasibility, timeline, and regulation of advanced nuclear technologies and their development.
“The conclusions made in the Advanced Nuclear Power Feasibility Report echo the sentiments we discussed last year at the FPSC workshop on nuclear power: there are tangible steps forward for nuclear advancement in the state of Florida,” said Jacob Williams, general manager and CEO of Florida Municipal Power Agency.
He also recently completed his tenure as chairman of the Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group.
“Florida remains the most heavily natural gas-dependent state in the U.S., even as the state's population continues to grow and the technological demand for energy continues to rise to levels previously unseen in the modern era. This is a crucial first step towards investing in nuclear technology to diversify our generation mix to supply low-cost, reliable energy to everyone.”
The PSC also consulted the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and the technical expertise of the United States Department of Energy in compiling the report.
Recommendations must align with Florida’s energy policy to ensure an adequate, reliable, and cost-effective energy supply that promotes the public’s health and welfare and supports economic growth.
The PSC’s recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature include:
- Commissioning a more comprehensive study beyond the impacts to Florida’s electricity needs including its influence in attracting new economic development, manufacturing, workforce development, and a potential site inventory;
- Ensuring cost recovery for preliminary costs incurred during site evaluations to mitigate financial risks during the early phases of project development, building upon prior legislative actions;
- Enhancing stakeholder engagement and education concerning advancements in nuclear safety to help dispel misconceptions and build public confidence in advanced nuclear energy; and
- Moving forward with additional initiatives if the costs associated with advanced nuclear technologies are more certain and demonstrate clear benefits to utility customers.
