By Reagan Priest | Arizona Capitol Times
Key Points:
- Arizona leaders express support for new nuclear energy projects
- Corporation Commission hopes to see development by 2035
- High costs and “NIMBYism” could delay nuclear deployment
There appears to be broad, bipartisan support for new nuclear energy projects in Arizona as demand on the state’s energy grid continues to grow.
Arizona elected officials from both parties and from multiple areas of government expressed interest in expanding the state’s energy portfolio to include more nuclear energy at an Arizona Corporation Commission workshop on Feb. 24.
“I’m happy to see the bipartisanship of taking nuclear off the shelf and putting it back on the table as an option,” said Commissioner Rene Lopez, who initiated the workshop.
The commission opened a docket in 2025 to explore advantages and barriers to developing new nuclear energy in Arizona. The latest workshop marked the commission’s second on the topic. The meeting focused on financing for new projects, with presentations on potential costs, state and federal tax incentives, and grant funding.
