North Dakota Sets Its Sights on Nuclear Innovation

The state of North Dakota has enacted House Bill 1025, authorizing a legislative study to assess the feasibility, siting, and deployment of advanced nuclear power technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors. The measure, passed with bipartisan support in both chambers (House: 77-14, Senate: 44-2), reflects a growing interest in nuclear innovation as part of the state’s long-term energy strategy.

The study will be conducted during the 2025–2026 interim and will focus on key areas such as grid integration, environmental and land use impacts, waste management, community acceptance, and economic viability. It also includes a review of any legal barriers to nuclear energy development currently within the North Dakota Century Code.

Scope of the Nuclear Feasibility Study

House Bill 1025 directs the Legislative Management to lead a multi-sector review process, with participation from the energy industry, regulatory agencies, and higher education institutions. Specific focus areas include:

• Site Identification and Suitability: Evaluation of greenfield and brownfield locations based on infrastructure access, environmental risk, and community sentiment.
• Grid Capacity and Infrastructure Needs: Assessment of the state’s electrical grid and required upgrades to accommodate nuclear integration.
• Economic and Workforce Impacts: Forecasting job creation, tax revenue, and potential investor interest associated with nuclear facility construction and operation.
• Waste Storage Considerations: Exploration of in-state and out-of-state options for temporary and permanent nuclear waste management.
• Regulatory Constraints: Identification of statutes or policies that may restrict advanced nuclear development.

The bill allocates $600,000 in one-time funding, split equally between general fund appropriations and anticipated private sector matching funds, for third-party consulting services and technical evaluations.

North Dakota Joins National Movement Toward Advanced Nuclear Deployment

North Dakota’s legislative study aligns with similar efforts in other U.S. states examining SMRs as part of their decarbonization and energy resilience goals.

North Dakota’s framework stands out for its explicit requirement for community consultation, private sector cost-sharing, and review of legal barriers—elements that could improve implementation and public trust if nuclear development proceeds.

Strategic Context: Grid Modernization and Energy Transition

As the U.S. Department of Energy accelerates funding for advanced nuclear deployment and legacy fossil fuel plants continue to close, states like North Dakota are investigating whether next-generation nuclear can offer a reliable, zero-emission baseload power source. The inclusion of small modular and microreactor options also signals an interest in decentralized and scalable power solutions.

Given the state’s reliance on coal-fired power and growing infrastructure demands, SMRs could support grid stability while leveraging existing sites and workforce skillsets. The study could also inform strategies for integrating nuclear into rural and industrial energy planning across the Upper Midwest.

Next Steps and Legislative Outlook

The findings of the study will be presented to the 70th North Dakota Legislative Assembly in 2027, along with any recommended statutory or policy changes. Depending on the results, North Dakota may pursue pilot deployments or broader regulatory reform to enable advanced nuclear energy projects.

House Bill 1025 does not authorize any construction or permitting actions but is designed as a strategic, data-driven foundation for evaluating nuclear energy’s role in the state’s energy future.