A recent government meeting highlighted significant challenges facing Pennsylvania's energy future, particularly regarding the potential contributions of small modular nuclear reactors and fusion power. A feasibility report revealed that the likelihood of these technologies playing a role in the state's electricity production by 2035 is virtually nonexistent.

The report noted that a coalition of community-owned power systems in seven western states has withdrawn from a deal to construct a small modular nuclear plant designed by NuScale Power. The decision was attributed to insufficient member commitment to purchase power from the facility. This project, which had received subsidies from the U.S. Department of Energy, has seen its costs soar to $9.3 billion, raising concerns about the viability of similar advanced reactor initiatives.

Originally slated to commence operations in 2030, the project is now indefinitely delayed, prompting questions about how Pennsylvania can expect to have a comparable project operational by 2035 when no planning, financing, or site selection has begun. Furthermore, the report emphasized that fusion power remains a theoretical concept, with experts suggesting it has been \"20 years away\" for the past five decades.

With no new electricity expected from either fusion or small modular nuclear reactors, the state may struggle to meet its renewable energy goals, particularly the 35% tier 1 mandate, relying primarily on solar power, which is projected to be minimally viable. The discussions underscore the urgent need for alternative strategies to ensure Pennsylvania's energy needs are met in the coming years.