Wisconsin lawmakers push for nuclear energy expansion amid growing electricity demand

In Wisconsin, a public hearing took place on April 23, 2025, focused on two legislative bills aimed at bolstering the state's nuclear energy sector. The bills, introduced by Representatives Shae Sortwell and David Steffen, along with Senator Julian Bradley, are designed to address the increasing demand for electricity driven by the growth of energy-intensive data centers in the state. Wisconsin currently imports significantly more energy than it produces, creating a pressing need for expanded power generation capabilities to meet future demands. Assembly Bill 108 proposes that the Public Service Commission conduct a study to identify potential sites for new nuclear reactor installations. This evaluation will incorporate findings from a recent U.S. Department of Energy report which highlights two decommissioned coal plant locations in Wisconsin as viable options for nuclear development. By establishing these potential sites, the bill aims to lay the groundwork for future nuclear power generation and help reduce the state's reliance on imported energy. The second piece of legislation, Assembly Bill 132, aims to organize a nuclear power summit at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, which will provide a forum for industry experts and stakeholders to discuss the future of nuclear energy. This event is intended to occur in the university's new engineering building upon its completion, allowing for knowledge sharing and exploration of nuclear energy opportunities in Wisconsin. Proponents emphasize the importance of nuclear energy in maintaining a reliable power supply as traditional energy sources face constraints. During the hearing, Wisconsin lawmakers also discussed nuclear fusion technology as an emerging alternative, which has the potential to offer near-limitless energy in the future. Several local startups are examining this technology, while experts believe Wisconsin's existing manufacturing and supply chain framework could position the state favorably in this innovative sector. As the demand for electricity in the state swells, particularly due to the data center boom linked to artificial intelligence, the momentum for these legislative measures signifies an essential shift towards investing in nuclear energy as a critical component of Wisconsin's infrastructure.