Louisiana is one of five states under consideration to host a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, a key initiative in the Trump Administration’s effort to expand the nation’s nuclear energy industry.
The U.S. Department of Energy selected Louisiana, along with Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Idaho, from a pool of 28 applications submitted by 26 states. The five finalists will now move into the next phase of discussions as the department evaluates potential locations for the proposed campuses.
“This isn’t a commitment to anything, this isn’t saying we are building something you are guaranteed, this is saying now that we have heard initial pitches, let’s really start talking about what that might look like if we go forward,” Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy spokesperson Patrick Courreges said.
Courreges said a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus would support every stage of the nuclear fuel cycle, from fuel production and processing to advanced nuclear technologies.
Courreges said Governor Jeff Landry has emphasized to the Trump Administration that Louisiana is well positioned to play a leading role in the country’s nuclear energy future because of its workforce, industrial base and energy expertise.
“The governor planted a flag earlier this year and said this state wants to be a player in the realm of nuclear power, it’s not a win, but we are at least in the playoffs,” Courreges said.
According to the Department of Energy, the innovation campuses are intended to strengthen the nation’s nuclear supply chain, expand domestic manufacturing and help meet growing energy demands while improving America’s energy security.
The department estimates each campus could attract up to $50 billion in private capital investment, generate as much as $10 billion in state and local tax revenue and create nearly 25,000 jobs.