Grant PUD eyeing nuclear options

Commissioners examine need to diversify power sources

EPHRATA — Grant County PUD officials will continue to look at building a small nuclear reactor, called a small modular reactor or SMR, in conjunction with the nuclear reactor engineering firm X-energy. Commissioners gave verbal approval to continuing the research at the regular meeting Tuesday, though at least one expressed concern. “I guess I have some reservations from the standpoint of the single focus on nuclear,” Commissioner Larry Schaapman said. Commissioners also asked for information on other forms of power production and the costs, risks and benefits associated with them. Chief Resource Officer Kevin Nordt said the group that’s been studying the options for generating power from other sources recommended dropping the PUD’s involvement in a second possible SMR project, and commissioners agreed.