Massachusetts Reconsiders Nuclear Energy In Its Clean Power Mix

Massachusetts has long been recognized as a leader in innovation, from biotechnology to green steel, and continues to explore a wide range of solutions to meet its clean-energy and climate goals. As the Commonwealth works toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders are increasingly revisiting the potential role of nuclear energy within a diversified energy portfolio.

A Changing Energy Landscape

Massachusetts' energy demand is projected to grow substantially in the coming decades, driven by the electrification of transportation, expansion of data centers, and continued housing and economic growth. While renewable sources such as wind and solar remain central to the Commonwealth's clean-energy strategy, conversations are underway about how to complement these sources with additional options that can provide consistent and reliable power. Governor Maura Healey and her administration have acknowledged that nuclear power, including new technologies now under development, could play a role in meeting future energy needs. These conversations are part of a broader statewide effort to balance reliability, affordability, and sustainability in energy planning. With stop work orders for wind farm construction coming from Washington and tax credits ceasing to exist for solar in the near term, the opportunity to pivot to other technologies is upon us.

Emerging Nuclear Technologies

Today's nuclear technology looks very different from the large-scale plants of previous generations. Advances such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors are designed to be more compact, flexible, and inherently safe, with built-in systems that automatically shut down in emergencies. These designs could complement renewable resources by providing steady, carbon-free power when wind and solar output is low. Several states across the country are already studying or piloting these next-generation systems, and Massachusetts' research institutions and clean-tech sector position it well to participate in such innovation efforts.

At the federal level, there is strong bipartisan momentum behind nuclear energy, with new funding, permitting reform, and workforce initiatives designed to accelerate deployment. For Massachusetts, this presents a major opportunity to lead. With its world-class universities, innovative ecosystem, and skilled workforce, the Commonwealth is well positioned to attract next-generation nuclear investment provided it streamlines permitting and fosters a supportive policy environment. Massachusetts has the talent and technology to turn its research strength into real economic growth and clean-energy leadership.

Reusing Existing Energy Infrastructure

As Massachusetts and other states evaluate potential sites for next-generation nuclear projects, one area of interest is the possibility of repurposing existing energy infrastructure. Former coal or oil-fired power plant sites, many of which already have established grid connections, cooling systems, and transportation access, can offer significant advantages for siting advanced nuclear facilities. By building on existing transmission lines, water intake structures, and industrial land, developers can reduce permitting challenges, lower costs, and minimize environmental disturbance compared to developing entirely new sites.

SMRs may be particularly well suited for this kind of redevelopment. Their compact design and scalable output allow them to fit within the footprint of many retired fossil fuel plants while providing a steady, carbon-free source of baseload electricity. Across the United States, several utilities and research institutions are already studying how to adapt legacy sites for advanced nuclear use. For Massachusetts, such approaches could offer a practical path to expanding clean energy capacity without the need for extensive new transmission corridors or greenfield construction.

Policy and Collaboration

Realizing any potential role for nuclear energy would require collaboration among policymakers, regulators, utilities, and the private sector. Discussions have included the modernization of existing energy laws, alignment with new federal permitting processes, and engagement with quasigovernmental organizations and agencies, like the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, to attract investment and foster public understanding.

Legislatively, the Commonwealth is currently considering a series of bills that explore the potential integration of nuclear power into the state's broader energy portfolio. These efforts align with Governor Healey's recent announcement about teaming up with the University of Massachusetts Lowell to develop "Advanced Nuclear and Fusion Energy Roadmaps" to accelerate the state's leadership in advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies.

While these conversations and efforts are still at an early stage, any future direction will require careful study, public input, innovation, and close collaboration with federal and state partners.

Looking Ahead

Massachusetts has long been a national leader in clean energy innovation and policy. As the Commonwealth explores every available technology to meet its ambitious climate and economic goals, nuclear energy, including emerging small and modular reactor systems, is reentering the conversation as a potential solution.

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