Tri-State Collaboration Accelerates Nuclear Energy Development in the West
April 30, 2025
Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming are uniting to spearhead nuclear energy advancements, positioning the region as a leader in clean energy innovation. This collaboration aims to harness the potential of advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs), to meet growing energy demands and environmental goals.
In February 2025, Utah’s legislature proposed a resolution to join an interstate compact with Wyoming and Idaho, focusing on deploying advanced nuclear reactor technology. This initiative aligns with Utah’s "Operation Gigawatt," a plan to double the state’s electricity generation over the next decade by investing in nuclear and geothermal energy sources. (deseret.com, spglobal.com)
Idaho and Wyoming have already made significant strides. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce designated the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Corridor (INEC) as a Tech Hub, recognizing the region’s capacity for nuclear manufacturing and clean energy promotion. This designation has facilitated federal investments, including a $1.7 million grant to strengthen the nuclear energy workforce training program through the Good Jobs Challenge. (eda.gov, eda.gov)
The collaboration also includes the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium, which, in partnership with the Idaho National Laboratory, is developing the INEC Tech Hub. This hub aims to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, creating a sustainable foundation for clean energy in the region. (idahoadvancedenergy.org)
By combining resources and expertise, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming are setting a precedent for regional cooperation in nuclear energy development, striving to lead the nation in clean, reliable, and innovative energy solutions.
Western States Collaborate on Nuclear Energy Initiatives:
- New wave of smaller, cheaper nuclear reactors sends US states racing to attract the industry
- In Wyoming, Bill Gates moves ahead with nuclear project aimed at revolutionizing power generation
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