OPPD leadership “incredibly excited about the future of nuclear generation” [Video]

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Life for hundreds of thousands of us intersects with Omaha Public Power District. So, its decisions and direction are important.

3 News Now’s Mary Nelson wanted to speak in-depth with President and CEO Javier Fernandez on the heels of such an extraordinary storm season, and, at a time of never-before-seen growth for the Omaha area.

This story is the third in a series of five, in which, Fernandez explains why the utility’s Fort Calhoun plant was decommissioned – despite what he describes as nuclear power’s potential within OPPD’s portfolio.

Continue reading for the expanded story.

Omaha Public Power District began decommissioning its plant in Fort Calhoun in 2016 with a plan to return it to greenfield status some time in 2026.

OPPD President and CEO Javier Fernandez explained the decision was made because “that particular site had challenges.”

In a word: Water.

“It really doesn’t take that much to flood the Missouri River or to dry …