Gov. Spencer Cox announced Operation Gigawatt and called for a complete mind shift about nuclear energy. He hopes to place Utah in the lead for national energy development.
Cox said to meet the growing demand for energy, Utah needs to double its energy capacity. He launched “Operation Gigawatt” aimed at reaching this goal within a decade.
These nuclear plants will replace the current coal, wind and solar plants. It will also help bring technological advancements to the economy, according to Cox, which is currently suffering.
Since Emery county is already home to multiple energy plants and labs, it is the prospective location for a nuclear plant.
Gov. Cox also hopes to provide rural areas with economic stability. He predicts that the arrival of artificial intelligence will cause job displacement in urban areas which is something Utahns haven’t seen.
“We’re at this very tumultuous time, anything we can do to reestablish economic certainty in the lives of people is what is going to make us healthier,” said Cox.
One problem that Utah might face is finding blue-collar workers to build these plants. Thousands of workers are required to build these nuclear generators and Cox said there is a lack of young people pursuing trades and technical education.
Cox also expressed concern for the influx of new workers, requiring the state to build more homes.
Author: Lainey Porter
Photo courtesy of Chris May, KUTV
Editor: Hannah Clove
news@suunews.net
