Did You Know Louisiana Has 2 Nuclear Power Plants? Lawmakers Want More
BATON ROUGE, La. (KPEL News) - When most people think about Louisiana’s energy industry, oil and gas are usually the first things that come to mind, right? We have a big oil and gas presence all over - from oil in the Gulf to natural gas in the northern part of the state - and despite some hard times, it remains fairly strong.
But there’s another power player in the mix—nuclear energy.
Louisiana is home to two nuclear power plants, and together, they supply about 20 percent of the state’s electricity. Now, with growing energy demands and emerging industries like artificial intelligence, data centers, and cryptocurrency mining, Louisiana lawmakers are pushing to expand nuclear power.
Where Are Louisiana’s Nuclear Power Plants?
Louisiana’s two nuclear energy facilities are both operated by Entergy, a major power provider in the Southern U.S. These plants serve as the largest sources of carbon-free electricity in the state, supplying consistent and weather-resistant energy.
- River Bend Station – Located in St. Francisville, this plant has been generating nuclear power for decades.
- Waterford 3 – Located in Killona, this facility plays a crucial role in Louisiana’s energy grid.
One of the biggest advantages of these plants? They provide 24/7 power, regardless of weather conditions, unlike wind and solar, which depend on natural elements.
Why Does Louisiana Want More Nuclear Energy?
Energy demand in Louisiana is surging, and state leaders see nuclear power as a long-term solution to keep up. With industries like big tech, artificial intelligence, and cryptocurrency mining growing fast, electricity consumption is expected to skyrocket.
Representative Joseph Orgeron has suggested that Louisiana could increase nuclear power’s share to 50% of the state’s electricity mix, making it a dominant force in the energy sector.
“It’d be nice to move to a 50-50 split,” Rep. Joseph Orgeron said. “Embracing nuclear advancements into Louisiana will give us a larger baseline load and that will ultimately allow energy providers to get a lower price to consumers.”
The goal? A more reliable, diversified energy grid that isn’t overly dependent on fossil fuels or renewables alone.
The Challenges of Expanding Nuclear in Louisiana
Building a new nuclear power plant isn’t easy—or cheap. Nuclear expansion requires:
💰 Billions of dollars in investment to construct reactors and infrastructure.
📋 Regulatory approvals, which can take years due to strict federal oversight.
💸 Deciding who pays—either energy companies or Louisiana taxpayers.
Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis has voiced concerns about committing massive resources to nuclear energy, especially if industries like data centers move elsewhere in the future.
“Yes, there is significant growth in AI and data centers, but what is their lifespan?” Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis told WAFB in Baton Rouge. “Because if a data center comes in 10 years and they found a cheaper way to do it and they move to China, now, we, the people of Louisiana are on the hook for the next 40 years for this nuclear power plant.”
If companies leave Louisiana after relying on new power plants, residents could be left footing the bill for decades.
Could Louisiana Become a Leader in Nuclear Innovation?
One potential game-changer is nuclear waste recycling. Currently, nuclear plants generate waste that must be stored long-term. However, new recycling technology could allow Louisiana to reprocess up to 96% of its nuclear waste, making power plants more efficient and reducing environmental impact.
According to WAFB, companies like Curio, a nuclear startup, are exploring ways to turn Louisiana into a hub for nuclear fuel recycling, which could create thousands of high-paying jobs while advancing the industry.
What’s Next for Nuclear Power in Louisiana?
Louisiana lawmakers are still debating the best path forward. While some see nuclear expansion as a necessary investment in the state’s future, others worry about the financial risks and long-term commitments.
One thing is clear: Nuclear power isn’t going anywhere. As Louisiana looks to meet rising energy demands and position itself as a national energy leader, the future of nuclear power in the state will be a hot topic for years to come.
