WISE, Va. 鈥 Southwest Virginia may soon be home to one of the nation鈥檚 first advanced nuclear reactors, as state leaders accelerate efforts to bring the technology to the region.
Backed by nearly $200,000 in state funding, the initiative represents a cornerstone of Governor Glenn Youngkin鈥檚 broader strategy for a more resilient and innovative energy future in the Commonwealth, according to a news release.
The project has received a $100,000 grant from the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank (VCEIB) and a $97,500 GO Virginia grant.
鈥淪outhwest Virginia has powered our Commonwealth for generations, and now we have the chance to invest in that legacy with the technologies of the future,鈥 Youngkin in the release. 鈥淭his investment will create jobs, attract new industries, and help build a foundation for long-term growth in a region that has, time and time again, played a critical role in Virginia鈥檚 success.鈥
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The effort is being spearheaded by Wise County in partnership with the University of Virginia鈥檚 College Wise and the Virginia Innovative Nuclear Hub (VIN Hub). The LENOWISCO Planning District Commission will manage the initiative on behalf of the county, while VIN Hub will provide technical and strategic oversight, the release states.
Project leaders will create a detailed deployment roadmap that aligns Southwest Virginia鈥檚 existing assets with federal and industry priorities. The plan will identify high-potential reactor sites, evaluate infrastructure needs, estimate long-term economic impacts and establish workforce and research partnerships centered around UVA Wise and other institutions.
鈥淭his initiative will help bring real opportunity to the coalfields鈥攈igh-quality jobs, modern infrastructure, and a seat at the table in Virginia鈥檚 energy future,鈥 said Delegate Terry Kilgore, R-Gate City. 鈥淎dvanced nuclear represents the next chapter in Southwest Virginia鈥檚 economic revitalization.鈥
Advanced nuclear reactors, often referred to as small modular reactors (SMRs), are compact, factory-built systems that provide around-the-clock, carbon-free energy, the release states.
鈥淲ith investments in projects like this through our Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank, Virginia is delivering on its promise to build a reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy future, powered by innovation and ready to meet rising demand,鈥 said Glenn Davis, director of the Virginia Department of Energy.
鈥淭he work we鈥檙e doing in Wise County reflects Virginia鈥檚 commitment to support our rural regions in the transition to advanced nuclear energy,鈥 said Jeff Whitt, executive director of VIN Hub. 鈥淰IN Hub is proud to work alongside community, academic, and economic development leaders to shape an energy future rooted in innovation and resilience.鈥
Mike Hatfield, economic development director in Wise County, said, 鈥淲ise County continues to demonstrate that we鈥檙e ready for investment, ready for innovation, and ready to help lead the next chapter of Virginia鈥檚 energy economy. Projects like this are building a foundation for opportunity that will benefit our communities for decades to come.鈥
