State Rep. Matthew Bierlein, of Vassar, this week voted for bipartisan plans that will put Michigan at the forefront for energy innovation, lower costs and improve grid reliability.

House Bills 4124-29 provide tax credits for small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) research, development and power use while creating grant programs so advancements in nuclear and hydrogen research can be made in Michigan.

“Our state has long had significant manufacturing prowess, and these bills would create jobs and opportunity in the energy sector,” Bierlein said. “As this evolving technology continues to come online, job providers are going to be looking to states that have the proper foundation in place – with operational know-how, a workforce and adequate facilities – to accommodate production. Through these bills, we can assemble that foundation.”

SMRs have been designed to be smaller and more affordable to build and operate than conventional nuclear power plants. Advanced reactors could ultimately be used to replace retired coal power plants and generate clean, carbon-free electricity as well as heat. Because of their increased efficiency and cutting-edge safety systems, advanced reactors can take less water to cool than their larger, traditional counterparts while producing less waste that ultimately needs to be safely disposed. 

One of the largest barriers for nuclear energy generation is cost. Constructing a nuclear plant is expensive and requires large up-front investments, suitable sites and a workforce that can put together custom-made components for a facility. The advancing plans will work to fix these issues and position Michigan as a leader for housing these types of projects. As SMR technology is working closer to wide-scale commercial deployment, Bierlein said the measures can create high-paying manufacturing, construction and engineering jobs while drawing significant investments to both the region and the state.

The bills now move to the Senate for consideration.