New Hampshire Advances Nuclear Power and Small Modular Reactor Roadmap

The U.S. state of New Hampshire is making the expansion of nuclear power a priority in its next phase of electricity policy. The state government is developing an advanced nuclear energy roadmap, expected to cover the utilization of existing nuclear resources, construction of advanced nuclear plants, and potential deployment scenarios for small modular reactors (SMRs), with a preliminary plan slated for release in September.

Governor Kelly Ayotte has directed the state's energy department to advance the roadmap's development. The state is currently soliciting input from utilities, consumer representatives, and energy industry stakeholders to assess nuclear power's role in addressing rising electricity demand and high electricity prices.

ISO New England (ISO-NE) projects that electricity consumption in the New England region will resume an upward trajectory, driven by the adoption of electric vehicles, electrification of heating, and the addition of high-load facilities such as data centers. Nuclear power proponents argue that, unlike wind and solar, which are subject to weather conditions, nuclear power can provide consistent, stable electricity, helping to enhance grid reliability and reduce carbon emissions from the power system.

Controversy surrounding nuclear expansion centers primarily on economic viability and cost allocation. New Hampshire is itself a net electricity exporter, generating more power than it consumes locally. Critics argue that even if new nuclear projects come online, the electricity they produce would likely be traded in the New England regional electricity market, and residents of the state would not necessarily benefit directly from lower electricity rates simply because the plants are located within the state.

Construction costs are also a key variable facing the roadmap. Nuclear projects typically require substantial upfront investment and long construction timelines, leading operators to prefer mechanisms such as long-term power purchase agreements to lock in revenue and reduce investment risk. Consumer groups, however, worry that if contract prices are relatively high, the costs could ultimately be passed on to ratepayers through electricity bills.

Historical project experience is also being revisited in the discussion. Seabrook Station experienced construction cost overruns, and the Vogtle nuclear expansion project in Georgia has drawn attention for significant cost increases. These cases mean that as New Hampshire advances its nuclear power and small modular reactor planning, it must simultaneously address questions regarding investment entities, risk allocation, and benefits to residents.