US utility PPL Corporation has announced that two of its subsidiaries, Louisville Gas & Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, will expand upon a previous assessment of nuclear feasibility at the Ghent coal-fired power plant site in Kentucky.
This expanded study will explore additional locations and potential partnerships to support nuclear energy within the state.
Ghent Power Plant Site: A Potential Nuclear Hub
The Ghent power plant, consisting of four coal-fired units with a total capacity of 1919 MWe, is slated for phased retirement. Situated near several energy-intensive industrial companies, the 2,300-acre site presents potential opportunities for both electricity generation and process heat utilization.
Prior Study Confirms SMR Suitability at Ghent
An earlier study, funded by a grant from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) initiative, found the Ghent site suitable for a small modular reactor (SMR) plant. However, potential size limitations were identified for larger, conventional reactors.
GAIN: Accelerating Nuclear Innovation
GAIN, a DOE initiative launched in 2016, aims to assist businesses in overcoming technological and commercialization challenges in nuclear energy. It provides a voucher system, granting stakeholders access to DOE’s R&D facilities and infrastructure to support the cost-effective development of innovative nuclear technologies.
Collaboration with GAIN and X-energy
In the next phase of assessments, PPL’s research and development team will collaborate with GAIN and nuclear design engineering company X-energy. X-energy’s Xe-100 reactor, a Generation IV design based on high-temperature gas-cooled reactor technology, is engineered to deliver reliable grid-scale power and seamlessly integrate with renewables.
Phase Two: Exploring Alternative Locations and Partnerships
The second phase of the study will delve into alternative locations and industrial partnerships that could enable energy-intensive customers, such as manufacturers and data centers, to achieve their zero-carbon goals while maintaining reliability and affordability.
PPL’s Commitment to a Diverse Energy Mix
PPL President and CEO Vincent Sorgi emphasized the company’s dedication to pursuing an all-of-the-above technology strategy to replace aging generation with a cleaner, more diverse energy mix. He highlighted nuclear energy’s potential to meet customer needs and support economic growth, particularly if SMRs become more cost-competitive.
In-Depth Studies for Informed Decisions
Sorgi underscored the importance of these in-depth studies in determining the viability of nuclear energy at various locations, enabling informed decision-making for the future of Kentucky’s energy landscape.