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  "description": "Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming sign joint agreement to coordinate energy development.",
  "path": "/governors-ink-regional-pact-to-expand-nuclear-energy-in-the-west/",
  "publishedAt": "2025-05-07T19:38:02.000Z",
  "site": "https://broadbandbreakfast.com",
  "tags": [
    "_on April 29_",
    "_more on the way_",
    "__NeutronBytes_ reports_"
  ],
  "textContent": "May 7, 2025 – As power demands surge in the West, three Republican governors signed an agreement last week to pursue building a regional “energy corridor” anchored by advanced nuclear technology.\n\nThe memorandum of understanding, signed by Wyoming Governor **Mark Gordon** , Utah Governor **Spencer Cox** , and Idaho Governor **Brad Little** _on April 29_ in Draper, Utah, outlines a shared commitment to accelerate deployment of small modular and advanced nuclear reactors, coordinate electric grid infrastructure, and strengthen workforce development across state lines.\n\nAccording to the agreement, the three states – linked by geography, abundant natural resources, and a shared legacy of energy production – seek to align policies that support innovation, attract private investment, and increase access to “reliable, affordable” zero-carbon energy.\n\nThe agreement comes as a wave of energy-intensive data center projects sweeps across Utah, driven by growing demand for cloud services and artificial intelligence. The state is home to at least 39 data centers, with _more on the way_.\n\n“A big chunk of Utah’s population is located along a booming high technology corridor that runs north to south along the western slopes of the Wasatch mountains,” __NeutronBytes_ reports_. “Demand for electricity to power its continued growth is one of the factors driving Utah’s interest in SMRs [small modular reactors].”\n\nUtah has also emerged as a hub of nuclear activity. Holtec International and Terrestrial Energy have signed separate MOUs to develop and potentially deploy SMR designs in the state, part of a long-term strategy to diversify energy supplies.\n\nSeparately, Utah leaders and Idaho National Laboratory signed a second MOU this week, establishing a formal partnership focused on advanced energy research, workforce training, and deployment of nuclear technologies.\n\nIn Idaho, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (INL) plays a critical role in regional outreach by offering access to nuclear R&D infrastructure and technical expertise.\n\nSeveral companies – including Oklo, Aalo, and the Department of Defense’s Project Pele – were developing advanced micro-reactor prototypes at the lab, with additional designs slated for testing at INL facilities.\n\nMeanwhile, in Wyoming, construction is underway on a 345-megawatt nuclear power plant in the town of Kemmerer. Developed by TerraPower, a company founded by Bill Gates, the project aims to replace a retiring coal plant and serve as a blueprint for building similar advanced reactors across the West.",
  "title": "Governors Ink Regional Pact to Expand Nuclear Energy in the West",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-11T03:29:46.541Z"
}