A state-funded feasibility study has identified Brownville as one of four Nebraska communities best suited to host a next-generation small modular nuclear reactor, raising hopes among local officials that a major energy investment could come to southeast Nebraska.
The study, conducted by engineering firm 1898 & Co. on behalf of Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), ranked Brownville third among 16 candidate communities, behind Sutherland and Beatrice and ahead of Norfolk. The results were released this month.
The Nebraska Legislature authorized the study, allocating $1 million to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, which awarded the funds to NPPD. The utility operates Cooper Nuclear Station (CNS) near Brownville, the state’s only existing nuclear power plant.
