Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Progress delays nuclear site choice

By LOUIS HAU
Published December 19, 2005

Progress Energy Florida now says it will take a little longer than expected to choose a site for a new nuclear power plant in Florida. The St. Petersburg utility had planned to choose a location by the end of the year, but it may not select a site until some time in March.

Not that this is a typical event. Florida hasn't seen a new nuke in decades.

Progress has yet to start compiling a list of potential sites and is still reviewing general areas of the state to consider, says company spokesman Rick Kimble.

Eventually, Progress hopes to have about a dozen potential sites, including its Crystal River power complex where it already operates a nuclear reactor.

Progress is considering building new nuclear plants in Florida and the Carolinas to meet the power needs of its growing customer base. The company's sister company, Progress Energy Carolinas, already operates three nuclear plants and has chosen a location for a new nuclear plant. It won't won't make its choice public until the second or third week of 2006.

[Last modified December 19, 2005, 01:38:18]