Rhodes reported in late October 2023 that a feasibility study conducted for the LENOWISCO Planning District Commission has identified seven potential sites for a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) in Southwest Virginia. These sites are located on former mine lands that have been repurposed for industrial or other uses. SMRs are smaller and simpler versions of traditional nuclear reactors that can be built in a factory and shipped to a site, saving construction time and reducing costs.
The study, released in May, was conducted in response to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s announcement last October that he planned to place the first commercial SMR in the coalfields of Southwest Virginia. The study looked at technical feasibility, safety considerations, economic viability, and preliminary site locations in the LENOWISCO area.
The seven identified sites include a former limestone mine with a domed interior, a former underground coal mine, and others on former coal mined land that are now successful industrial parks. The study used the Siting Tool for Advanced Nuclear Development (STAND), which aggregates data from multiple governmental sources to evaluate the suitability of the sites.
Lenowisco Executive Director Duane Miller stated that all seven sites scored well with the STAND tool and are competitive with any other sites in the United States. However, several environmental groups have raised concerns about some of the sites, particularly those located near towns.
Miller emphasized that the identified sites are only potential options and further public participation opportunities will be available in 2024. The feasibility study aimed to evaluate the region’s capabilities for deploying an SMR and does not imply that all seven sites will be utilized.
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