Evergy’s exploration of a new reactor and related nuclear technology comes down to one topic: the need for power, according to Corporate Communications Director Gina Penzig.
Last week, Evergy announced a memorandum of understanding involving the Kansas Department of Commerce and TerraPower — the developer of the Natrium reactor and related technology. Besides using a totally different energy production model than existing plants like Wolf Creek — sodium cooling as opposed to water cooling, among other components — Penzig says the Natrium reactor is faster and less expensive to build than other methods. Penzig says there have been longstanding conversations about possibly bringing additional nuclear power to Evergy customers.
The MOU lets TerraPower search for a site for a Natrium reactor in the Evergy Kansas service area, with a decision at some point next year.
Site selection for a new reactor will revolve around physical site characteristics, licensing from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, proximity to existing infrastructure and community support. When the MOU was announced last week, Penzig said a complementary Natrium reactor at Wolf Creek was not ruled out. She expanded on that answer during an interview on KVOE’s Morning Show this week.
Regardless of longstanding or new technology, Penzig stresses nuclear energy is safe.
Initial information has the Natrium model using a 345-megawatt sodium-cooled fast reactor with a molten salt-based energy storage system. Output can increase to 500 megawatts of power as needed. Wolf Creek, meanwhile, has been serving the state and the area since 1985, generating around 1,200 megawatts — over 20 percent of the state’s electricity and over 35 percent of its emissions-free electricity.
