Salem County Board Director Ben Laury says the basis for his statement that PSEG is “currently planning two new reactors” at its Salem site was a phone call from a PSEG representative. PSEG itself won’t confirm or deny it.
SALEM — While Salem County leaders have said PSEG is planning new reactors for its Salem site, the energy giant says any future reactor deployment depends on securing a “qualified developer.”
Following the recent creation of the Salem County Nuclear Advisory Council, public statements from energy giant PSEG and county leadership have outlined the early boundaries regarding potential reactor expansions on Artificial Island.
PSEG: Expansion Relies on ‘Qualified Developer’
In a statement following inquiries regarding Salem County Board Director Ben Laury’s assertions that PSEG is “currently planning two new reactors” at its Salem site, PSEG officials clarified the utility’s position regarding new nuclear development.
PSEG Senior Director of Corporate Communications Marijke Shugrue confirmed that while the utility remains interested in future nuclear growth, it is seeking a partner rather than advancing a standalone construction project.
“PSEG is proud of the people and performance of its existing Nuclear generating sites,” Shugrue stated. “We have a well-situated, existing three-unit site that holds an ESP [Early Site Permit] that PSEG is willing to contribute to a qualified developer in order to enable new nuclear generation.”
The Early Site Permit (ESP), granted to PSEG by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in 2016, approves the Artificial Island location for potential future nuclear construction separate from any specific plant design or active license application.
While expressing support for county relationship-building, PSEG signaled that concrete project details remain off in the distance.
“We are encouraged by the county’s ongoing support of nuclear generation and greatly value their partnership,” Shugrue added. “However, it would be premature to discuss anything beyond what we’ve previously stated.”