Will Colorado turn to nuclear?
HB26-1337, Facilitating Nuclear Energy Development, will put $20 million toward exploring nuclear energy facilities in Colorado. The funds will go to entities that gain authorization to explore how nuclear energy can act as a reliable energy source to offset the variability of wind and solar. Colorado's last experience with nuclear at Fort St Vrain didn't work out, but that was fifty years ago.
The bill gives the Colorado Energy Office the job of jumpstarting any new nuclear facilities for energy production. By 2027 the office will provide recommendations to the Public Utility Commission on what factors would guide decisions to permit and construct nuclear energy facilities. The Office will also be responsible for guiding entities through the process of getting such facilities built, including working with government agencies, stakeholders, and authorizers. The $20 million is to back up financing for the up-front work so if projects don't work out, entities can recover their study costs through rate charges.
Goals are to find a potential site by 2035 and start construction by 2040. This schedule gives uumph to Colorado's 2050 clean energy timeline. The bill will face challenges from those opposed to nuclear facilities with their outstanding waste removal and safety concerns. Given the lengthy timeframes for these projects, other technologies may develop to make nuclear less economical and relevant. Such are the complications legislators will consider when deciding whether to put up $20 million as back up to nuclear power options.
| 
