Nuclear Project Loses Funding

An application from Ameren Missouri and Westinghouse to build nuclear reactors in Callaway County has been initially rejected by the U.S. Department of Energy.The companies hope to design and build small modular reactors (SMR) for export at the nuclear power plant near Fulton. The companies had applied for over $400 million in funding. Today, the Department of Energy announced an energy company in Tennessee received funding for the SMRs.In a statement, Sen. Claire McCaskill said, “I’m deeply disappointed in today’s announcement. This project would be a tremendous opportunity for Missouri jobs and American energy security. I plan to keep working with the folks at Ameren and Westinghouse to pursue new opportunities, and to continue working across the aisle to expand innovation and strengthen security in American energy.”Ameren and Westinghouse say they are still pursuing SMR funding from the Department of Energy through an additional review process for a smaller amount of funds.