Eleven nuclear reactors currently supply more than half of Illinois’ electricity. Energy legislation passed by Illinois lawmakers and signed by Pritzker in 2021 ensured the continued operation of the state’s existing large-scale nuclear generation fleet, but the state has had a moratorium on the construction of new nuclear capacity since 1987. Legislation allowing the construction of small modular reactors of up to 300 MWe capacity from 2026 was passed in late 2023.
Legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly on 30 October last year, amongst other things, lifted the 30-year moratorium on the construction of new large-scale nuclear reactors in the state from 1 January 2026. Pritzker signed the bill into law on 8 January.
In his state of the state address on Wednesday, Pritzker said: “The economic opportunity of building new clean power is enormous, so today, I’ve designed to speed up building new clean nuclear power so we can increase our electricity supply and secure our energy future.
“We can take years off the development and launch of new baseload energy production. It sets a new nuclear energy framework for Illinois – one that prioritises affordability, safety, and reliability. Our state agencies have been ordered to immediately begin working together and reaching out to local governments to identify sites for new reactors. It will also advance the development of a state regulatory framework with rigorous safety and siting standards.
“My goal is delivering at least two gigawatts of new clean nuclear capacity in our state – enough to power up to two million Illinois homes.”
The executive order directs multiple strategic actions for new nuclear development, covering energy planning, economic development, workforce training, and enabling policies. For example, the Illinois Power Agency and the Illinois Commerce Commission will issue within 60 days a notice of inquiry (NOI) to potential developers of new nuclear facilities and another NOI to communities interested in hosting a new facility. This information will inform the next Integrated Resource Plan. The executive order also directs establishment of an interagency workgroup that will issue a report to the governor’s office with recommendations to enable construction to begin on at least 2 GW of new nuclear capacity by 2033.
“Deploying clean firm technologies, like nuclear power, complements renewable energy and is essential to achieving Illinois’ 100% carbon-free energy goal by mid-century while meeting growing energy demand, addressing affordability, and improving air quality,” said Wibke Heymach, Senior Midwest Regional Policy Manager at Clean Air Task Force (CATF). “We applaud Governor Pritzker for his leadership on nuclear energy and look forward to working with his administration and other stakeholders to advance this safe, carbon-free energy source in Illinois.”
