Arkansas commissions Excel Services for study on state’s nuclear future

Arkansas has appointed Excel Services to analyse the economic, technological and logistical outlook of a new nuclear programme, with results expected within ten months.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The US state of Arkansas has launched a detailed study to assess the feasibility of developing new nuclear power generation capacity. Consultancy firm Excel Services Corporation, specialised in the energy sector, has been selected to lead this strategic evaluation as part of a broader reflection on the state’s future energy options.

A mission focused on technological and economic capacity

The scope of the study assigned to Excel Services includes a detailed assessment of the benefits and limitations of nuclear energy in the specific context of Arkansas. The analysis will consider several technology scenarios, including large-scale reactors, Small Modular Reactors (SMR), and micro-reactors. The firm will also assess infrastructure requirements such as transmission and transport networks, safety protocols, and the potential impact on employment and local industrial activity.

A structured ten-month assessment

Excel Services will deliver its initial findings in the coming months, with a final report scheduled at the end of the ten-month period. According to Donald Hoffman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the company, the assignment represents an opportunity to align nuclear capacity with the state’s economic development needs. He stated that the study aims to provide a decision-making foundation that is “both practical and focused on industrial realities”.

A strategy backed by local authorities

Representative Jack Ladyman stated that the initiative reflects a political commitment to obtaining a full assessment of the role of nuclear power in Arkansas’s energy mix. He indicated that the choice of Excel Services was based on its experience in the field. The study is intended to equip public decision-makers with “informed choices based on the most rigorous available analysis”.

An energy landscape shaped by an ageing plant

Arkansas currently hosts two pressurised water reactors located at the Arkansas Nuclear One site near the town of Russellville in Pope County. The plant, operated by Entergy, supplies approximately 24% of the state’s electricity. The two units are licensed to operate until 2034 and 2038 respectively, providing a time window for evaluating new nuclear capacity projects.

The full-scope simulator for the Lianjiang nuclear project has successfully passed factory acceptance testing, paving the way for its installation at the construction site in China's Guangdong province.
A coalition of Danish industry groups, unions and investors launches a platform in support of modular nuclear power, aiming to develop firm low-carbon capacity to sustain industrial competitiveness.
The United Kingdom and TAE Technologies create a joint venture in Culham to produce neutral beams, a key component of fusion, with strategic backing from Google.
Texas-based developer Natura Resources receives new federal funding to test key components of its 100-megawatt modular reactor in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Reactor Doel 2 was taken offline, becoming the fifth Belgian reactor to cease operations under the country’s gradual nuclear phase-out policy.
Rolls-Royce SMR has expanded its partnership with ÚJV Řež to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, targeting the construction of several units in the Czech Republic and abroad.
The Indian government aims to amend legislation to allow private companies to participate in civil nuclear development, a move positioned as critical to achieving the country’s long-term energy targets.
The VVER-1200 nuclear reactor at Xudabao 4 in China has completed installation of its final passive water tank, marking the end of modular construction for the second phase of the project.
Ottawa and Edmonton commit to a nuclear production roadmap by 2050, through a memorandum of understanding also covering carbon capture and an Indigenous-led pipeline project.
Niamey asserts control over its uranium resources by authorising open market sales of Somaïr’s production, formerly operated by France’s Orano, amid ongoing legal disputes.
Equinix has signed a strategic agreement with French start-up Stellaria to reserve 500 MWe of advanced nuclear capacity to power its future European AI data centres starting in 2035.
Bishkek plans to host a RITM-200N small modular reactor supplied by Rosatom to address electricity shortages and deepen energy ties with Moscow, despite the risks posed by Western sanctions.
The Niigata prefectural assembly will vote on the restart of Unit 6, potentially marking TEPCO’s first reactor relaunch since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
The Norwegian government has initiated a consultation with neighbouring countries on its modular nuclear power plant project in Aure and Heim, in accordance with the Espoo Convention.
Türkiye and South Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore nuclear power plant projects, marking a strategic step in the long-term development of Türkiye's energy infrastructure.
Asian Development Bank has amended its energy policy to enable funding for civil nuclear projects in developing member countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
First Hydrogen begins research with the University of Alberta to identify molten-salt mixtures simulating nuclear fuels for SMR prototypes.
Framatome has completed the manufacturing of the first nuclear fuel assemblies for the Barakah power plant, marking a key milestone in the supply agreement signed with Emirates Nuclear Energy Company in July.
A government-commissioned report proposes 47 measures to simplify nuclear regulation, reduce decommissioning costs and accelerate delivery of civilian and military projects.
The Hualong One reactor at Zhangzhou nuclear power plant has been connected to the grid, marking a major milestone in the expansion of China’s civilian nuclear programme.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.