Getting Grounded: Oregon’s History with Nuclear Power
Across the country, nuclear energy accounts for about 20 percent of electricity sources. In Oregon, the amount is much lower at about 3 percent.
Oregon was once home to a nuclear power plant. Located in Columbia County, the Trojan Nuclear power plant operated for two decades before being decommissioned. The spent fuel from the plant is still stored on site today. Storage of spent fuel is a significant challenge to future nuclear power plants in Oregon.
On this episode of Getting Grounded, our mini episodes on energy fundamentals series, we are joined by Joni Sliger, ODOE senior policy analyst. She discusses Oregon's history with nuclear power.
Stay tuned! In a future episode of Grounded, we will discuss the future of nuclear power, bills discussed during the 2025 Oregon legislative session, and small modular reactors.
Questions or topic suggestions? Write us at askenergy@oregon.gov
Resources: