County leaders say it’s a win-win because nuclear power produces nearly no greenhouse gas emissions
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Officials are considering bringing a nuclear power plant to the triad. It'll generate power for thousands of people across the Carolinas.
County leaders say it’s a win-win because nuclear power produces nearly no greenhouse gas emissions and could have the county seeing green.
"It gives the triad not only clean energy but a lot of power sources they'll need for the future," Keith Wood, Stokes County Commissioner's Chair, said. "It's gonna add a lot of jobs to Stokes County."
Duke Energy says the nuclear power plant will be located three miles behind its steam station, which is along Pine Hall Road near Belews Creek.
Folks like David Bray hope Duke Energy’s Stoke County nuclear plant will be good for his business. Hedgecocke Builder's Supply sells lumber, hardware and more building materials.
Bray and county leaders expect the plant will create a boost for his business and others. It’ll mean more people will move to the area and more construction of houses, which for Bray will mean more need for the material he sells.
Bray also lives a few miles from the plant and says Duke has conducted conversations about health and safety.
"Honestly, talking to him, he put me at ease about it," Bray said. "I've researched a little bit as well, and he was kind of correct when he says probably more accidents happen at coal fire plants over the years than it ever has been at nuclear."
People often panic at the word 'nuclear,' that's why Duke Energy says it’s been working hard to be transparent about the plant and the benefits of nuclear power.
"The power is clean, it's available 24 hours a day in all weather conditions," Bill Norton with Duke Energy said. "So it's really a win-win."
Officials say the nuclear plant will house a small modular reactor.
"Small modular reactors are smaller. They are built elsewhere, at least large components are," Norton said. "That's why it's called modular. It's shipped here, so it should be more cost-efficient as well, and there's a lot of good things going for this technology."
Small modular reactors have been around for decades.
"It’s the same technology the navy has powered submarines for decades. So it's an established technology," Norton said. "But we're using it in a different way, which is to bring power to customers."
Duke Energy says building a nuclear power plant takes a decade for the process to complete. Right now Duke Energy is preparing to submit an early site permit from state and federal regulators later on this year.
Construction could begin in 2030, and the plant could start generating power in 2034.