Entergy Corp is advancing efforts to expand its nuclear energy portfolio in the southern United States through upgrades to existing plants and development of new nuclear generation sites.

The company recently completed a refueling outage at its River Bend Station in St. Francisville, Louisiana, and is preparing a 40-megawatt (MW) capacity increase at the facility. Additional upgrades across its nuclear fleet could add another 275 MW of generation capacity.

Entergy has also secured a site permit in Mississippi for potential new nuclear development and is evaluating market interest from potential buyers for future electricity generated at the site.

As energy demand rises, particularly from sectors requiring consistent and carbon-free electricity, nuclear power is receiving renewed attention. Entergy is also exploring the feasibility of advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs), though such technologies remain largely untested in the U.S. and face regulatory and cost-related challenges.

The company is focused on managing the commercial and construction risks associated with nuclear development, which have historically led to delays and cancellations in other large-scale nuclear projects.

Entergy's current strategy supports long-term goals to meet regional energy needs while contributing to decarbonization efforts.

Source: reuters.com