News
January 17, 2025 | By Benjamin Yount
Policy Issues
Environment

Republican Lawmakers Look to Study Nuclear Energy Future in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has only one nuclear power plant currently, the Point Beach Plant in Two Creeks. It came online in 1970.

Bradley & Steffen Advocate for More Nuclear Energy

A couple of Republican lawmakers want to see if there is a nuclear future for Wisconsin.

State Sen. Julian Bradley, R-New Berlin, and state Rep. David Steffen, R--Howard, on Thursday introduced resolutions that look to open Wisconsin to more nuclear power plants in the state.

“Today’s resolution sends a clear message: Wisconsin supports nuclear power and we welcome the development and investment in this clean energy source,” Steffen said.

Wisconsin has only one nuclear power plant currently, the Point Beach Plant in Two Creeks. It came online in 1970.

The two reactors at the plant produce enough electricity for a million homes, and produce two-thirds of the state’s clean energy.

“Nuclear energy has the potential to be the clean and reliable answer to powering our future,” Bradley explained. “The technology surrounding nuclear energy has developed a great deal over the past few decades; it’s safer and more efficient than ever before.”

Bradley and Steffen say they want to know where Wisconsin may be able to add more nuclear plants.

“Energy demands, driven in particular by AI data centers, are continuing to soar. Wisconsin needs nuclear to meet this challenge. Our state is equipped with the strong research and manufacturing sectors needed to lead on this revolutionary technology, and I look forward to working further on this exciting issue,” Steffen added.

Microsoft is building a new data hub in Mount Pleasant, in Racine County. The Journal Sentinel reported earlier this month that once finished, it will be the largest single use of electricity in the state.

The Microsoft hub will use as much power as 300,000 homes.

Bradley and Steffen say their soon-to-be introduced nuclear siting study “will work to identify locations for nuclear generation sites throughout the state.”

They are also looking for a nuclear power summit to share opportunities, and “allow Wisconsin to showcase its nuclear-related research and technology.”

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