Chris Galford reports that a new report from the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) revealed that Nebraska’s Cooper Nuclear Station, operated by Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), is doing more than just generating electricity, it is generating $112 million for the state’s economy each year. Its year-round generation has mostly benefited the five Nebraska counties surrounding the plant, naturally, with $66 million put into those areas, but more than $46 million is flowing into the rest of the state as well. The result, according to NEI, is $46 million in economic output from plant operations, $26 million in gross state product, and $32 million in disposable personal income.
The Cooper station produces 820 megawatts of electricity. There are 680 employees at the station making it work, and those jobs have led to 450 other jobs in the area, according to the study. Further, the plant is licensed until 2034, and over the coming decades, NEI predicts the plant will generate more than $1.9 billion in economic output for the state, all carbon-free. Though historically, nuclear plants have also suffered in public perception of fear, misinformation, and economic competition from coal and natural gas, a separate Plant Neighbor Survey conducted in late 2017 found that support for Cooper Plant and nuclear energy is strong among its community. Of those surveyed, 92 percent has a favorable view and 94 percent were confident in NPPD’s ability to operate safely meaning they have come to rely on the plant for jobs and revenues in-state.
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