Support Grows for Nuclear Energy Expansion in Northern Minnesota

There's a lot going on in Northern Minnesota that's leading to quite a bit of controversy. Most of the attention has been on data centers taking over, and a lift on the mining ban near the BWCA. There's another bill in legislation right now that is going largely unnoticed, but could be a big change for Minnesota.

Current Ban On New Nuclear Power Plants In Minnesota

Currently, there is a moratorium on any new nuclear energy sites in Minnesota. There's even a moratorium on any new nuclear waste facilities. Minnesota has two Nuclear Power plants: one near Red Wing, Minnesota, and one in Monticello. They are operated by Xcel Energy and provide about 23% of the state's power.

Minnesota's Iron Range Could Be a Perfect Location

State Senator Grant Hauschild and State Senator Specner Igo support lifting the ban. Igo says the infrastructure is already in place on the Iron Range. The transmission lines are already able to support it, and there is a highly trained workforce. Hauschild believes the mining and timber industry could benefit, and adds that it would be impossible to reach our carbon-free goal in the state without it.

Nuclear Waste Concerns

The downfall of Nuclear energy is that the radioactive waste needs to be stored safely, as it remains hazardous for thousands and thousands of years. Right now, the nuclear waste is stored on the site of Nuclear Power plants. According to the World Nuclear Association, the waste problem can be solved with the public's acceptance. But where to store it? That's the issue with the public, as nobody wants it in their backyard.

If the legislation passes, a study on how to move forward with nuclear energy would be conducted in the spring of 2027.