President Donald Trump is directing federal agencies to withdraw from a settlement with tribes and the states of Washington and Oregon that could have led to the breaching of the Snake River dams.
Local leaders in the nuclear industry are applauding the U.S. Department of Energy’s recent commitment to provide the fuel needed for the next-generation of nuclear reactors to five U.S. developers working to bring that technology to the market.
The Richland-based lab has entered into an agreement with Ampcera to further develop technology that improves lithium battery performance, according to a release. Researchers say the new technology also has the potential of lowering battery manufacturing costs.
The BPA project would install a 500-kilovolt substation and new 115-kilovolt transmission line as part of four projects aimed at reinforcing the region’s transmission infrastructure.
Hydropower in the region is expected to increase about 17% compared to last year, a welcome boost to growing energy demand, but will still be below the 10-year average, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Energy Northwest’s nuclear powered Columbia Generating Station will produce enough additional energy to power 125,000 homes under a new deal with the Bonneville Power Administration.
Small modular reactors offer a pragmatic and scalable path to reliable energy. With backing from government and the private sector, the Tri-Cities and the broader U.S. have a chance to lead a nuclear energy renaissance.
Private companies aren’t the only ones eyeing the Mid-Columbia for its potential as a site for data centers and development of artificial intelligence.
No Tri-City area lawmakers voted against the bill, though state Rep. Gloria Mendoza, R-Grandview, was absent for the vote, and two Yakima-area state lawmakers, state Reps. Chris Corry and Jamie Dufault, voted against it.
