Meyer announces nominees for nuclear power plant task force

“Delawareans are feeling the impact of rising energy prices, and we have a responsibility to explore every option to bring those costs down,” Meyer said. “This task force will take a hard, honest look at whether nuclear energy — and specifically small modular reactors — can play a role in providing reliable, affordable, and clean power for our state.”

The mini reactors  require far less land than current plants, would  be manufactured  on an assembly line and then  transported to the site. However, the industry is still in its early stages and may not become a factor until 2033. 

China and Russia each operate a small modular reactor and about 50 designs are in the research stage.

The Task Force will conduct a study to determine whether adding the  small modular reactors (SMRs) in Delaware is feasible, while exploring economic, environmental, and energy reliability implications, a release stated.

The nominees represent a cross-section of expertise. The Task Force report has a deadline of Dec. 31.

Nominees

Robert DeNight, vice president of Nuclear Engineering at PSEG,

Andrew Cottone - inventor, entrepreneur, and business leader with more than two decades of experience in advanced manufacturing and clean energy.

Anthony DePrima - retired Executive Director of the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility, also known as Energize Delaware.

Martin Willis - aunion boilermaker who has worked on power plants and other projects.

Keith Goossen - Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Delaware.

Peggy Schultz - civic leader and energy advocate in Delaware.

Robert Wheatley -Sussex County resident and long-time member of its Planning and Zoning Commission.

Jennifer Clemons - associate teaching professor in Penn State’s Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering. She formelry headed energy programs at Delaware Technical Community College.