Tagged: nuclear power

Executives from Ameren Missouri and Westinghouse presented their plans today to the state Public Service Commission for pursuing grants to build small nuclear reactors.

The two companies have teamed up to pursue up to $452 million from Washington to build up to five Small Modular Reactors, or SMR’s, at Ameren’s Callaway County plant.  Joseph Zwetolitz is President of the Americas division of Westinghouse.  He says SMR’s would be safer than the traditional nuclear reactor.

“This reactor is almost entirely underground, which provides an additional level of safety, with regards to potential postulated accidents, deliberate attacks, tornadoes, those kind of things," Zwetolitz said.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and officials of two energy companies are preparing to make an announcement that could include plans for a second nuclear reactor in the state.

Nixon and leaders of Ameren Missouri and Westinghouse Electric are scheduled to make the formal announcement Thursday at a news conference in Jefferson City. Nixon's office says the announcement will be significant for energy development and economic growth in Missouri.

A freshman State Senator wants Missouri Governor Jay Nixon (D) to call a special legislative session to approve a site permit for a second nuclear power plant.

Mike Kehoe (R, Jefferson City) carried the issue in the Senate this year.  He sent a letter to the governor requesting a special session.