Imagine a Florida where nuclear reactors the size of a truck could be deployed to power military bases or small communities with clean, reliable energy. This futuristic vision might be decades away, but the conversation is gaining traction as the state explores advanced nuclear power technologies.

Last Thursday, Florida’s Public Service Commission (PSC) took its first step toward evaluating the future of nuclear energy in the state. Following a legislative mandate, officials met with energy experts and industry representatives to discuss the feasibility of adding advanced nuclear technology to Florida’s energy mix. While Florida Power & Light currently operates the St. Lucie and Turkey Point nuclear plants, no new facilities have been constructed since the late 20th century. However, that could soon change.

Why the Shift to Nuclear?

The push for advanced nuclear power comes at a time when Florida’s energy landscape is dominated by natural gas, which fuels about 75% of the state’s electricity. With solar energy making strides, nuclear could serve as a vital backup. Jacob Williams, CEO of the Florida Municipal Power Agency, emphasized that nuclear power may be crucial in diversifying Florida’s energy sources. “We’re too dependent on one source,” said Williams. “Nuclear can help ensure our future energy security.”

The PSC’s study aims to take a “long-term view,” according to Lauren Sher, senior director for development at Florida Power & Light. Sher noted that the study would “tee up opportunities” for nuclear power over the coming decades. While the timeline for such developments is lengthy, the wheels are in motion.

Small Reactors, Big Impact

One of the most exciting possibilities under review is the use of “microreactors” — small, mobile nuclear reactors that could power everything from military installations to remote communities. These compact units are a far cry from the towering nuclear plants most people associate with the industry.

“Imagine having a small reactor on a truck,” said Mary Lou Dunzik-Gougar, a professor of nuclear engineering at Idaho State University. “It’s versatile, and it’s safe.”

Safety, of course, remains a top concern. When PSC’s director of Industry Development and Market Analysis, Cayce Hinton, asked Dunzik-Gougar about the risks, she acknowledged the common fear of nuclear disasters but downplayed the likelihood, joking, “You mean, like a mobile Chernobyl?” She assured the audience that nuclear power is among the safest energy sources, regardless of the reactor’s size. “The risk is actually pretty much less with nuclear,” she added.

The Road Ahead: Regulations, Costs, and Challenges

The introduction of advanced nuclear technology in Florida faces several hurdles, including regulatory approval and high upfront costs. But with the federal government’s recent push for clean energy, including a working group focused on advanced nuclear technologies, the momentum may be shifting. In May, the Biden administration announced plans to streamline the deployment of nuclear energy, aiming for cost-effective solutions that could accelerate the construction of new plants.

In Florida, the legislative directive mandates a report by April 2025, which will explore various options for expanding nuclear energy, including large-scale reactors like those recently built in Georgia and the smaller microreactors that could be used for more targeted applications.

While the future of nuclear energy in Florida remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the conversation is just beginning. As the Sunshine State seeks to reduce its dependence on natural gas, nuclear power — in both traditional and advanced forms — could play a pivotal role in lighting up Florida’s future.

What’s Next?

While Florida hasn’t seen new nuclear plants since the 1980s, a fresh wave of nuclear innovation could be on the horizon. With new technologies promising smaller, safer reactors, and the potential for nuclear energy to complement Florida’s growing solar sector, the state might soon embrace this clean and powerful energy source. And who knows? In a few decades, we may see nuclear reactors as common as solar panels in the Sunshine State.

Stay tuned as the PSC continues its exploration into Florida’s nuclear future.