Tim Vandenack covers immigration, multicultural issues and Northern Utah for KSL. He worked several years for the Standard-Examiner in Ogden and has lived and reported in Mexico, Chile and along the U.S.-Mexico border.
BRIGHAM CITY — As the intense debate surrounding a proposed data center and power-production facility in Box Elder County unfolds, another major energy initiative in the county is quietly edging ahead.
Hi Tech Solutions and Holtec International announced plans last November for a "nuclear energy ecosystem" to be developed in and around Brigham City, the Box Elder County seat. Four to 10 small modular reactors tapping nuclear technology would be built around the city, and numerous Utah leaders, including Gov. Spencer Cox, gathered for the unveiling of the plans.
In contrast to the clamor spurred by plans calling for a data center complex and the installation of up to 9 gigawatts of power-producing capacity to serve the operation, the initiative unveiled late last year has prompted no public backlash. A Hi Tech rep didn't address the contrasting responses, but said the nuclear initiative — unveiled at a high-profile press conference that also included Utah Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz — is moving forward.
Apart from installing the reactors, each capable of generating perhaps 300 megawatts of power or 1.2 to 3 gigawatts if four to 10 are built, the company would manufacture the small modular reactor technology for export elsewhere.
"Conversations are ongoing regarding specific land components involved in the project. Because multiple partners are part of that process, no final decisions have been made yet. The community will be engaged every step of the way," Hi Tech said in a statement to KSL.com.
"The team does not have an exact timeline to share and is focused on getting the details right for the community rather than rushing an announcement. "Carmen Valdez, senior policy associate for HEAL Utah, an environmental advocacy group that keeps close tabs on nuclear energy exploration in Utah, said the Hi Tech proposal is on the group's radar.
Maybe it hasn't sparked the sort of public response that the data center plans have, she said, because many don't know much about the technology to be used. The data center initiative, spearheaded by celebrity businessman Kevin O'Leary and O'Leary Digital, has sparked protests, intense social media backlash, and a drive to repeal the May 4 resolutions approved by Box Elder County commissioners that allow the plans to proceed. Opponents are planning a rally on Thursday at the Utah Capitol.
"Many people may still be unfamiliar with small modular reactors and the lon
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Box Elder County data center debate intensifies as foes, supporters trade barbsTim Vandenack covers immigration, multicultural issues and Northern Utah for KSL. He worked several years for the Standard-Examiner in Ogden and has lived and reported in Mexico, Chile and along the U.S.-Mexico border.
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