Warren Buffett finally sees the light: MidAmerican Energy cancels proposed new "small modular reactor" targeted at Iowa
June 4, 2013 As reported by the Des Moines Register, Warren Buffett's MidAmerican Energy has finally pulled the plug on a proposed new "small modular reactor" it was hoping that the ratepayers of Iowa would pay for, through "Construction Work in Progress" (CWIP) surcharges on their electricity bills. A powerful coalition, including AARP, Green State Solutions, Sierra Club, Friends of the Earth, and others can claim credit for this environmental victory against nuclear industry greed, after a protracted three year long battle at the Iowa state legislature.
Most of those nuclear plants around Iowa depicted at the left are Fukushima Daiichi Unit 1-4 twin designs -- GE BWR Mark Is. Duane Arnold's Mark I is in fact owned by Warren Buffett's MidAmerican Energy. The Cooper Mark I in Nebraska is owned by Nebraska Public Power District, but operated by Entergy. The two Mark Is at Quad Cities are owned and operated by Exelon.
The only exception is Fort Calhoun, a Pressurized Water Reactor owned by Omaha Public Power District, but operated by Exelon.