Gov. Tony Evers announced Tuesday during his 2026 State of the State address a partnership agreement between the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics to undertake a study exploring nuclear energy opportunities in Wisconsin.
In July 2025, Evers signed the 2025 Wisconsin Act 12 to establish a nuclear power siting study and signed the 2025-2027 biennial budget bill which included $2 million in funding to support the study.
The nuclear power siting study will bolster knowledge and understanding of how Wisconsin’s nuclear energy potential can help meet the state’s growing need for carbon-free energy.
“Wisconsin is at the forefront of nuclear energy innovation due in large part to our important work that’s happening on our UW campuses, including at UW-Madison, and it’s great to see the next step in this important and innovative partnership move forward,” Evers said. “Wisconsinites are ready for bold and urgent solutions to address the climate crisis, and by supporting this work, we’re helping build a strong foundation for a clean energy future.”
According to the PSC’s most recent Strategic Energy Assessment, nuclear energy accounts for 16% of the state’s energy generation portfolio. Point Beach Nuclear Plant in Two Rivers is the only nuclear power plant in operation in Wisconsin.
The goal of the siting study is to provide foundational information and thorough evaluation of potential nuclear energy development opportunities in Wisconsin to help guide future actions. Act 12 requires the study to be completed by the start of 2027.
