Appalachian Power plans for small modular reactor in Campbell County

CAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – Appalachian Power says it plans to build a small modular nuclear reactor that will help the utility provide safe, reliable and clean energy.

The announcement this week also raises questions from people living near the proposed site in Campbell County.

Small modular reactors, also called SMRs, have been receiving a lot of attention lately. They are smaller than traditional nuclear power plants. Appalachian Power says they can generate between 50 and 500 megawatts, enough energy to power as many as 500,000 homes.

This week the company said it has identified a potential site, land the utility already owns in the Joshua Falls area of Campbell County. Appalachian Power spokesman George Porter said the site already includes a 765-kilovolt substation and other infrastructure the project would need.

“We’re always looking for ways to bring renewable energy to the state, to try to meet what’s required by state law,” Porter said in an interview Friday afternoon. “But more importantly: we look at the SMR. We look at that technology. It’s always on. It’s clean. It has a smaller footprint, so we think it is a good option for our customers in Virginia.”

Matt Cline serves on the Campbell County Board of Supervisors and represents the Concord District, where the SMR would be located.

“This is a first of its kind in the United States,” Cline said in an interview. “So this isn’t just new to Concord. It’s not just new to Virginia. This is new for the country.”

He said his phone has been ringing since he and his neighbors heard about Appalachian Power’s plans.

“We all want big energy that is clean and efficient, but at the same time there is an impact on the community that has to be weighed,” Cline told WDBJ7, “so I think we just have to keep an open mind and listen to what AEP has to offer. say, but also hold them accountable to the community they will impact.”

Appalachian said it plans to file an application with the State Corporation Commission next spring.

The company said it hopes to capture some of the $900 million the U.S. Department of Energy is using to accelerate the development of SMRs.

Appalachian Power has scheduled a community open house at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance on Thursday, December 5 from 5-7 p.m.

And for more information about small modular reactors, visit Appalachian Power website.