Illinois preparing to meet future energy demand with small nuclear reactor law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new state law will allow Illinois to start building small nuclear reactors in 2026. Democrats and Republicans hope the new technology can address the demand for energy with downstate coal and gas plants shutting down.

Illinois will start a new chapter by lifting the 1987 moratorium on nuclear construction on January 1, 2026. Democrats, Republicans and manufacturers want to take advantage of the new carbon-free technology.

"As America moves forward and Illinois seeks to be an energy and manufacturing leader, it's important that nuclear energy and the new technologies associated with micro-nuclear be part of those discussions," said Donovan Griffith, the vice president of government affairs for the Illinois Manufacturers' Association.

The new law will allow the state to build 300 Megawatt reactors throughout central and southern Illinois. Sponsors know the Biden administration supports micro-nuclear projects and the U.S. Department of Energy is already trying to get small reactors online.

"Some people predict 5 or 10 years is when they'll be rolled out in the commercial market," said Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). "It's important because right now is when people are making decisions on the future direction of their energy needs."

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency will establish rules for proper decommissioning, environmental monitoring and emergency preparedness for the future reactors. The law also calls on the governor to commission a study on the state's role in guiding development of small nuclear reactors.

Yet, some Democrats and clean energy groups said Illinois should take more time to assess the risks before deciding to open the door for these nuclear projects.

Sierra Club Illinois Director Jack Darin said his organization appreciated some of the changes in the amended bill language. However, Darin said lawmakers should've passed a plan allowing the state to conduct a study on the small nuclear reactors and see the results before lifting the moratorium.

"We've got a lot of wind and solar and storage projects waiting in line to get onto our power grid," Darin told WAND News. "That's really what the General Assembly should be focused on."

Nuclear bill celebration — Rep. Lance Yednock (D-Ottawa) hugs Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) after the House passed legislation to lift the moratorium on nuclear construction November 9, 2023.

Still, sponsors noted that the law will not conflict with federal laws or regulations on existing nuclear plants. Rep. Lance Yednock (D-Ottawa) and Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) thanked Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Hillside), legislative staff and the Pritzker administration for working with business and labor stakeholders to reach an agreement.

"The policy does not subtract from the growth of wind and solar energy," Yednock explained. "It can be an enhancement and a potential use for small modular reactors could be to energize large manufacturers, therefore keeping more traditional new sources of energy for residential, small commercial customers and our future EV needs."

The legislation passed out of both chambers with strong bipartisan support during the fall veto session.

"24/7, 365 days rain or shine, nuclear is powering America's clean energy future," Rezin said. "Nuclear provides clean, reliable and secure energy that we can count on to help reach our clean energy goals here in Illinois."