Colorado Springs Utilities could use nuclear energy

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - The Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) Board unanimously endorsed Colorado Springs Utilities’ updated Sustainable Energy Plan recommendations at Wednesday’s board meeting, which recommend research on the use of nuclear energy.

Presenters explained that this could mean either using a nuclear power plant elsewhere and buying the energy, or building one to own and operate.

The Sustainable Energy Plan update establishes the direction for the Springs Utilities’ energy transition through 2045. The utility group is working to fill the energy gap that will be left after the Ray Nixon Power Plant shuts down. The state extended the shutdown deadline to 2032 this year.

Wednesday's informal endorsement by the board is a first step toward beginning research into what they say would best suit the city for the energy transition.

The utility group says that the near-term plans include using natural gas to provide energy and a request for proposals for 300 megawatts of additional renewable resources by 2030. They say in the long term the plans include a combination of additional renewable energy, such as wind, solar, and geothermal, battery energy storage, market purchases, and small modular nuclear energy.

Now CSU will launch more research on nuclear power options, such as whether to build, own and operate a nuclear facility; partner with another utility; or purchase nuclear energy owned by another entity. They'll be weighing these options alongside other renewable energy sources. 

Utility Board President Dave Donelson made it very clear in the meeting that although they are looking at these nuclear options, it does not mean that a nuclear plant will necessarily be built here in Colorado Springs or even El Paso County. He also noted that nuclear power has zero emissions and doesn't rely on the sun or wind to produce energy. 

CSU says nuclear power is becoming a more viable option than in the past due to bipartisan support, technological advancements and safety improvements.

The plan will be used as the basis for the updated Clean Energy Plan, according to CSU. The deadline for sending that plan to the state is December 31. CSU says this includes the plan to reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2033 and retire the coal unit at the Ray Nixon Power Plant. The Clean Energy Plan will be brought to the board for approval this fall, CSU said.

CSU says you can find more information here.

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.