NJ S744

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities must conduct a feasibility study on developing advanced nuclear reactors statewide and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months

Nuclear energy currently provides over 40% of New Jersey's electricity; advanced reactors are defined as having improvements like additional safety features, lower waste yields, increased thermal efficiency, and modular deployment capabilities

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are defined as advanced reactors with rated capacity of no more than 1,000 megawatts thermal that can operate alone or in combination at a single site

Study must identify suitable deployment locations including former industrial sites and retired fossil fuel facilities, consult with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on permitting, and examine economic viability including federal programs and private investment opportunities

Board must conduct minimum three public stakeholder sessions to assess public perception and environmental impacts, and publish findings on the BPU website