As Wisconsin's energy needs continue to grow, We Energies is taking innovative steps to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply. In partnership with EnergySolutions, We Energies is examining new nuclear power options at the now-decommissioned Kewaunee Power Station site. This initiative has the potential to reshape the state's energy landscape, providing both stability and progress toward a low-carbon future.
We Energies, as part of the broader WEC Energy Group, has long been recognized for its commitment to cleaner energy sources. In light of rising demands from data centers, artificial intelligence, and industrial growth, the need for dependable and carbon-free electricity is more pressing than ever. The company’s recent partnership with EnergySolutions underscores its strategic approach to meeting this demand with innovative solutions.
The Kewaunee Power Station, once a key contributor to Wisconsin’s energy grid, ceased operations in 2013 and has since been undergoing decommissioning. However, new opportunities are surfacing. EnergySolutions, which acquired the plant in 2022, is collaborating with We Energies’ parent company to explore the development of advanced nuclear technology at the site. This partnership aims to obtain federal approval and conduct thorough environmental studies to ensure readiness for the next generation of nuclear energy.
Read more on the Kewaunee site under consideration for nuclear new build – World Nuclear News for a comprehensive overview of the planning process.
The project to revive the Kewaunee site is in its initial stages but involves a structured, multi-year effort. This includes rigorous site and environmental evaluations, followed by the pursuit of essential permits from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. According to EnergySolutions, one of the main drivers for this project is the forecasted increase in Wisconsin’s electricity demand over the next two decades.
Officials have highlighted how modern nuclear technologies offer significant improvements in safety, efficiency, and scalability over previous designs. Instead of restarting the old plant, We Energies and its partners envision utilizing advanced reactors that are smaller and more adaptable, thus ensuring long-term energy stability for the region. Ben Nelson of the Kewaunee County Economic Development Corp. describes the current planning as an optimistic first step for the community.
For further details on the project’s scope and its significance for the local economy, visit New nuclear generation eyed for shuttered Kewaunee County plant site – Wisconsin Public Radio.
The prospect of reviving nuclear generation at the Kewaunee site has gained momentum not just from the energy sector, but also from lawmakers and community leaders. Local representatives note that the power station was once a major economic driver, and its renewal could bring important investment and employment opportunities. Legislative efforts are underway to support nuclear energy as a vital part of Wisconsin’s energy strategy.
With the support of We Energies and other stakeholders, the potential for new nuclear generation at Kewaunee is both a pragmatic and forward-thinking solution. While it could take years before new facilities come online, the groundwork being laid today promises a future where Wisconsin’s energy is cleaner, more reliable, and better prepared for the digital age.
We Energies’ proactive stance reaffirms its commitment to innovation and sustainability—a move that positions the company as a leader in meeting tomorrow’s energy challenges.