Today, the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) submitted a response to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Request for Information about the state’s consideration as a potential future site for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus.

The submission is the first step in DOE’s process to identify potential locations for next generation nuclear campuses. The Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses are a federal effort to modernize the nation’s full nuclear fuel cycle and strengthen the country’s leadership in advanced nuclear energy.

The state’s three largest public power utilities — Omaha Public Power District (OPPD), Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), and Lincoln Electric System (LES) — joined together with the Grand River Dam Authority in Oklahoma in December 2025 to create the Great Plains New Nuclear Consortium. This group was formed to evaluate next‑generation nuclear energy deployment in Nebraska, demonstrating proactive, forward‑leaning leadership in advancing nuclear energy.

The Nebraska Legislature has also provided support toward advancing nuclear energy through funding directed toward a recent statewide siting analysis for viable locations of new nuclear energy developments. Advancing the development of a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus in Nebraska will require close coordination with the Legislature to ensure that necessary legislative and policy changes are addressed. 

“This is the first of many steps, but taking this step ensures that Nebraska remains at the center of these important conversations at a national level as we work with our partners in public power to advance nuclear energy in Nebraska,” DWEE Director Jesse Bradley said. “Any advancement of these efforts will be done in a manner that ensures public confidence, environmental protection, and responsible stewardship of the Ogallala Aquifer and our natural resources.”

DOE’s request indicated that certain support mechanisms will be made available toward selected Nuclear Innovation Campuses including, targeted financial assistance, cost-sharing, loan guarantees, and others. These campuses are expected to drive significant investment and job growth in nuclear and advanced manufacturing, with other high paying support industries. Any advancement of a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus in Nebraska will require formal agreements between DOE and the state that would define roles, responsibilities, and future commitments. 

“OPPD is proud to partner with Nebraska in developing a thorough and thoughtful response to the DOE’s request,” OPPD President and CEO Javier Fernandez said. “This effort reflects our shared commitment to advancing innovative energy solutions for our state. We look forward to continuing this work should Nebraska be selected to move forward in the process.”

“NPPD supports the state’s efforts to advance next-generation nuclear through a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus,” NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent said. “Nebraska has a proud history of advancing nuclear power and a strong tradition of collaboration, and if selected, this campus would strengthen that legacy as we continue to work together to develop advanced nuclear solutions. Our team looks forward to continuing the exploration of this initiative with the state of Nebraska.”

Nebraska has a long history of safe, reliable nuclear operations, including NPPD’s Cooper Nuclear Station, OPPD’s former Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station, uranium mining in northwest Nebraska, and several additional nuclear research and industrial facilities. Additionally, Nebraska public power utilities have a strong relationship with the University of Nebraska for studies related to nuclear operations and support for workforce development.

“Nebraska is well positioned to host a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus,” Advanced Nuclear Coalition President Kristen Gottschalk said. “Not only do Nebraska utilities have long-term experience with safely managing nuclear facilities, but we have an engaged higher education system and a motivated workforce to make it a success.”

Nebraska will await the DOE’s review of this first-round submission. Nebraska’s response to the DOE’s Request for Information is available on DWEE’s State Energy Information page.