Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is a public power utility that serves over 600,000 customers across the state of Nebraska. NPPD is responsible for generating and distributing electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the state. The company is committed to providing reliable and affordable energy to its customers while also being a responsible steward of the environment. In recent years, NPPD has been actively developing renewable energy projects in the nuclear and wind sectors.

Nuclear Energy

NPPD owns and operates the Cooper Nuclear Station, which is located near Brownville, Nebraska. The station is a pressurized water reactor that has been in operation since the mid-1970s. The station generates approximately 800 megawatts of electricity, which is enough to power over 500,000 homes. The Cooper Nuclear Station is an important part of NPPD's energy portfolio, providing a reliable source of baseload power to the grid.

In addition to operating the Cooper Nuclear Station, NPPD is also exploring the possibility of building a small modular reactor (SMR) in the state. SMRs are a new type of nuclear reactor that are smaller and more flexible than traditional nuclear reactors. They are designed to be built in factories and shipped to their final location, which can reduce construction costs and timelines. NPPD is working with a number of partners to explore the feasibility of building an SMR in Nebraska.

Wind Energy

NPPD has been actively developing wind energy projects in Nebraska since the early 2000s. The company currently owns and operates six wind farms in the state, with a total capacity of over 500 megawatts. These wind farms are located in various parts of the state, including the Sandhills region and the panhandle. NPPD's wind farms generate enough electricity to power over 150,000 homes.

In addition to its existing wind farms, NPPD is also exploring the possibility of building additional wind projects in the state. The company is currently in the process of developing a 400-megawatt wind farm in northeast Nebraska. This project, known as the R-Project, will be one of the largest wind farms in the state once it is completed. NPPD is also exploring the possibility of building a 50-megawatt wind farm in the panhandle region.

Renewable Energy Goals

NPPD has set a goal of generating 10% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020. The company is well on its way to meeting this goal, with over 8% of its electricity coming from renewable sources in 2019. NPPD's renewable energy portfolio includes wind, hydro, and solar projects, as well as the Cooper Nuclear Station.

In addition to its 10% renewable energy goal, NPPD is also committed to reducing its carbon emissions. The company has set a goal of reducing its carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, compared to 2010 levels. NPPD is taking a number of steps to achieve this goal, including investing in renewable energy projects, improving the efficiency of its existing power plants, and exploring new technologies such as carbon capture and storage.

Community Involvement

NPPD is committed to being a responsible member of the communities it serves. The company works closely with local stakeholders to ensure that its renewable energy projects are developed in a way that benefits the community. NPPD also provides educational programs to schools and community groups, helping to promote the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency.

One example of NPPD's community involvement is its partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The company has provided funding for a number of research projects at the university, including studies on wind energy, solar energy, and energy storage. NPPD also sponsors a number of educational programs at the university, including the Nebraska Wind for Schools program, which provides hands-on wind energy education to K-12 students.

Conclusion

Nebraska Public Power District is a public power utility that is committed to providing reliable and affordable energy to its customers while also being a responsible steward of the environment. The company is actively developing renewable energy projects in the nuclear and wind sectors, and has set ambitious goals for reducing its carbon emissions. NPPD is also committed to being a responsible member of the communities it serves, working closely with local stakeholders to ensure that its renewable energy projects are developed in a way that benefits the community. With its strong commitment to renewable energy and community involvement, NPPD is well positioned to meet the energy needs of Nebraska for years to come.