Dive Summary:
- MidAmerican Energy is considering building a nuclear power plant in Iowa in an effort to diversify its fuel portfolio.
- The utility is already converting coal plants in the region to natural gas and has invested in 2,200 megawatts of wind power capacity, but the fear of rising natural gas costs has compelled the company to look elsewhere for extra fuel.
- MidAmerican has tried to pass a bill that would foster the development of nuclear power, but state regulators have never approved the idea.
From the article:
MidAmerican is converting coal plants at Council Bluffs and Sioux City to natural gas and has invested heavily in 2,200 megawatts of wind power capacity.
But Fehrman said he wants to make sure the company has a mix of fuels, and he's not convinced that natural gas will remain as cheap as it is now.
"I'm agnostic on the fuel issue," Fehrman said. "But what we need is a diverse mix. It's not a good idea to put too many eggs in one basket." ...