HARRISBURG, PA — Team Pennsylvania, a nonprofit economic development organization that partners with the commonwealth, released a statewide Nuclear Energy Roadmap this week aimed at expanding Pennsylvania’s nuclear energy sector, modernizing existing facilities, and positioning the state as a national hub for future nuclear development.
The roadmap was developed with input from more than 70 leaders representing 50 organizations across industry, government, labor, academia, and energy sectors. It outlines strategies focused on sustaining Pennsylvania’s current nuclear fleet, supporting advanced nuclear technologies, expanding manufacturing capacity, and developing a workforce pipeline for the industry.
Gov. Josh Shapiro linked the initiative to the planned restart of the Crane Clean Energy Center nuclear plant, which he said will return 835 megawatts of power generation capacity to the grid while creating jobs.
“Ever since the nation’s first commercial reactor came online here in Shippingport in 1957, Pennsylvania has led the way with the workers, the capability, and the will to lead the nation in building out the nuclear supply chain,” Shapiro said.
According to the roadmap, Pennsylvania currently operates the nation’s second-largest nuclear power fleet and maintains an established supply chain that supports nuclear facilities across the United States. The report argues that the commonwealth’s manufacturing base and research institutions position it to play a larger role in future nuclear deployment and supply chain development.
The strategy identifies five priorities: improving statewide coordination and leadership, modernizing existing nuclear plants, enabling deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, strengthening manufacturing and supply chains, and building a workforce capable of supporting long-term industry growth.
Sen. Dave McCormick said Pennsylvania is positioned to benefit from increased national demand for stable electricity generation.
“As the second largest generator of nuclear power, Pennsylvania stands ready to lead a new era of cheap, reliable baseload power,” McCormick said.
Abby Smith, president and chief executive officer of Team Pennsylvania, said the roadmap is intended to coordinate existing assets and attract additional investment and development.
The report also highlights Pennsylvania’s historic role in nuclear energy development. Shippingport, located in western Pennsylvania, was home to the nation’s first full-scale commercial nuclear power plant, which began operating in 1957.
Team Pennsylvania described the roadmap as both a strategic framework and an implementation plan intended to guide collaboration among public and private stakeholders.
The full roadmap is available at Team Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Roadmap
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