North Dakota Weighs New Nuclear Reactor Sites

Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee considers economic impact and waste disposal for potential projects.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 4:57pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

North Dakota's Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee is evaluating potential sites for new nuclear reactors in the state. Nucleon Energy presented reports outlining the economic benefits and nuclear waste disposal plans for both large and small-scale reactor projects.

Why it matters

The committee's decision on whether to move forward with nuclear power could have significant economic implications for North Dakota, including job creation and tax revenue. However, concerns over nuclear waste storage and safety will also factor into the committee's considerations.

The details

Nucleon Energy's reports showed that a large 600-megawatt reactor could create 260 full-time jobs and generate $5 million per year in tax revenue, while a smaller 200-megawatt reactor could create 100 jobs and $1.7 million in annual taxes. The proposed reactors would cost over $1 billion to build.

  • The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee meeting took place on Tuesday, March 25, 2026.

The players

Nucleon Energy

An energy company that presented reports on the potential economic impacts and nuclear waste disposal plans for new reactor projects in North Dakota.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee will continue to evaluate the feasibility and implications of building new nuclear reactors in North Dakota.

The takeaway

North Dakota's consideration of new nuclear power projects highlights the state's efforts to balance economic development with environmental and safety concerns around nuclear energy.