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NuScale Looking to Build Small Scale Nuclear Power Plant in Washington by Editorial Board PennEnergy, August 12, 2014

NuScale is looking to expand the number of nuclear power plants in Washington using small scale nuclear reactors, USA Today reported. The nuclear power developer is working with a legislative task force to determine whether the state will ramp up investments in nuclear energy. The state is home to one reactor owned by Energy Northwest called the Columbia Generating Station near Richland.

NuScale aims to develop small modular reactor (SMR) technology, which may be more cost-effective and generate less waste. Last year, NuScale won $226 million in funding over a period of five years from the U.S. Department of Energy to advance development of the company's NuScale Power Module SMR technology.

Washington State Sen. Tim Sheldon said he supports increasing nuclear power in the state.

Last year, Energy Northwest said it was pleased the DOE gave NuScale funding because the company's technology could be used in the Northwest region.

"Small modular reactors represent a new generation of safe, reliable, low-carbon nuclear energy technology and provide a strong opportunity for America to lead this emerging global industry," DOE Secretary Ernest Moniz said in a statement accompanying last year's announcement.