Amherst board supports small modular nuclear reactor in area [Video]

Amherst County officials are sending a letter of support for Appalachian Power’s plans for a small modular nuclear reactor in Campbell County as the company seeks grants from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Appalachian Power Co. recently announced a site for a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) on the company-owned Joshua Falls property and plans to begin an early site permit application process with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Rob Mann, an external affairs manager for APCo, addressed the Amherst County Board of Supervisors about the project on Jan. 7 and said its letter of support will go a long way in helping the company secure the federal grant.

“The SMR project, it would provide clean, reliable energy 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” Mann said. “We are in the early site permit application process. This process, what it would do is off set some of the funding concerns …