SB 5821

This bill directs Washington State to integrate advanced nuclear energy into its state energy strategy as a means to meet ambitious decarbonization goals, including achieving 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and 100% clean electricity by 2045. The legislation acknowledges that growing energy demand from data centers, artificial intelligence, and electrification, combined with the need to replace approximately 19% of current electricity that comes from emitting sources, necessitates consideration of advanced nuclear technologies like small modular reactors. By formally incorporating nuclear power planning into the state's energy strategy, the bill aims to leverage nuclear energy's high capacity factor and reliability to complement renewable sources, potentially reducing the total infrastructure needed while ensuring grid stability during peak demand periods.