By Salt River Project
Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project and Tucson Electric Power continue to work together to explore adding nuclear generation in Arizona, including through a preliminary siting study now underway.
New nuclear generation will take time to develop, which is why it’s essential that Arizona’s leading energy providers begin these initial steps now. APS, SRP and TEP are utilizing industry guidance to evaluate locations throughout Arizona, including sites that have been used for coal-fired power generation. The study will use a phased screening methodology to narrow down areas in the state to a short list of leading candidates, culminating with the selection of a preferred site.
As part of the site selection process, the energy providers will begin stakeholder engagement and community outreach, and plan to hold community meetings near potential nuclear generating sites in late 2026 to share information and seek feedback.
The siting study, which is expected to be completed within the next six months, is foundational to subsequent steps in the nuclear planning process. Once the study is complete, the energy providers will evaluate technical, financial and other factors before determining if they will develop an Early Site Permit application. If an ESP application is pursued, the companies would then decide whether to submit the application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for approval.
APS, SRP and TEP recently received notice they were not awarded the U.S. Department of Energy grant they applied for in early 2025 to support this work. They will continue to work together to explore future funding opportunities to help mitigate the costs of evaluating potential new nuclear generation.
The joint nuclear exploration effort comes as Arizona’s electricity needs continue to rise, driven by population growth and economic expansion. APS, SRP and TEP all set peak-demand records in 2025, underscoring the need for continued long-term planning and reliable generation. The energy providers are working proactively to ensure the grid can keep pace with rising demand, while also ensuring safe, reliable and sustainable electricity for customers.
The companies have not made a final decision to build a new nuclear plant in Arizona, and no nuclear technology has been chosen for the potential project. Both small modular reactors and larger reactor designs remain under review. Any future project would depend on industry progress on cost and schedule predictability, supply chain development and financing considerations. In the long term, the companies will prioritize nuclear technologies that are commercially proven as reliable; have been safely and successfully deployed elsewhere; and are provided by suppliers with strong operational records and demonstrated commercial viability.
New nuclear generation opportunities will be discussed at an Arizona Corporation Commission workshop hosted by Commission Chairman Nick Myers and Commissioner René Lopez on June 25. The workshop will bring together energy providers, policymakers and industry stakeholders to further discuss the role nuclear energy can play in resource planning. (Source: Salt River Project)