SALT LAKE CITY — The State of Utah and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) establishing a framework for exploring the potential development of a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus (NLIC) in Tooele County.
In March, Utah was one of more than 25 states to respond to the DOE’s request for information on hosting an Innovation Campus. The MOU marks another important milestone in the federal site selection process and illustrates Utah’s continued competitiveness as a serious candidate. While the MOU does not represent a guarantee Utah will be selected, it does demonstrate the DOE’s interest in continuing discussions and evaluating the state’s unique capabilities.
The proposed Innovation Campus would co-locate multiple steps of the nuclear lifecycle at one site, including enrichment, fuel fabrication, recycling and reprocessing of used nuclear fuel and waste disposition. The concept aligns with Utah’s long-term energy strategy and commitment to power the homes and businesses in our communities with the safe, adequate, reliable, affordable, secure and clean energy they need. Co-location would also provide a collaborative environment where government, industry and academia can work together to build the supply chain, workforce, and jobs of the future.
“America’s future depends on affordable, abundant energy,” said Gov. Spencer J. Cox. “Utah seeks to build a complete energy ecosystem, from fuel production and processing to advanced reactors and the technologies they power — creating new opportunities for innovation, investment, and good-paying jobs. We’re doing it through responsible stewardship of the land and resources we’ve been entrusted with. We’re grateful to Secretary Wright for his leadership and partnership.”
“I’m pleased to announce that after reviewing 28 applications from 26 states, the Energy Department has selected five initial contenders to further explore building Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses,” Secretary Wright said. “These campuses will be massive generators of economic growth, create thousands of high-paying jobs, and be crucial to unleashing America’s nuclear renaissance. The innovative concept is a direct result of President Trump’s leadership and ambitious directives to restore the domestic nuclear fuel cycle and get America’s nuclear industry growing again.”
If selected, the Innovation Campus is expected to generate economic benefits, including high-paying jobs, private investment, expanded research partnerships, workforce development opportunities and growth across advanced manufacturing and critical supply chains. The project would also strengthen Utah’s position as a national leader in advanced energy innovation.
“This is an historic opportunity,” said Emy Lesofski, energy advisor to the governor and director of OED. “The economic and infrastructure benefits of hosting a campus like this are generational; we won’t see another project with similar benefits for decades. We recognize there is still work ahead, but Utah has the innovative spirit necessary to take on a project of this scale and to do it in a safe and responsible way that respects and protects Utahns and the environment we treasure. We look forward to continuing this process with our federal partners.”
The MOU is one of several next steps in selecting a final site to host the Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. Additional analysis, stakeholder engagement and future agreements will be required before any final decision is made. The State of Utah will share future announcements and opportunities for public engagement as the federal review process continues.
About the Utah Office of Energy Development
The Utah Office of Energy Development is the state’s primary office for advancing energy and mineral development. The office is charged with fostering innovation, expanding educational and workforce opportunities and providing evidence-based energy policy analysis.
About the U.S. Department of Energy
The mission of the Energy Department is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.
To read the state’s full response, visit the OED website.