Marina
In the midst of active site selection discussions between TerraPower and Evergy for a new Natrium reactor project, local leadership is weighing in.
Two area counties have expressed interest in hosting the facility, and while Emporia’s City Manager, Trey Cocking, says he would like to see the project land in Lyon County, he emphasizes that the region can reap benefits even if the final site lies elsewhere.
Background of the Proposal
Conversations between TerraPower and Evergy are ongoing to determine the most suitable location for a Natrium reactor. Both Lyon County and neighboring Coffey County have formally expressed an interest in hosting the facility.
In a recent interview on KVOE – “Talk of Emporia” segment, City Manager Trey Cocking responded to a question from KVOE News about how Emporia might benefit from a local siting of the project.
Why Emporia Isn’t the Only Winner—Even If Site Is Elsewhere
Regional Advantage
While the exact site hasn’t been finalized, Cocking notes that the Emporia/Lyon County region is well-positioned for the Natrium project.
He highlights the presence of the Wolf Creek Nuclear Generating Station in Burlington, and Lyon County’s longstanding support infrastructure and receptiveness for such facilities.
Local Economic Impacts
If the Natrium project lands in Lyon County, Cocking suggests the local community could benefit through increased property tax revenue, which might help relieve fiscal pressure.
In addition, the local workforce and housing markets stand to gain from new employment opportunities and increased demand for housing—many Wolf Creek employees currently live in Emporia or neighboring areas.
Cocking also pointed out the potential for higher visitation numbers, which would translate into more transient-guest tax income during construction or outage periods at Wolf Creek.
Educational Opportunities
There are clear educational advantages as well. For example, the nearby Flint Hills Technical College — which offers a respected power-plant technology program — could see heightened enrollment and stronger industry partnerships thanks to the project’s presence.
Energy Infrastructure Significance
Regardless of the final site location, Cocking stated, “At the end of the day, the need for increased energy generation is huge,” underlining the importance of the Natrium reactor in meeting regional energy demands.
What’s Next
The Lyon County Commissioners are scheduled to review a letter of support for the Natrium project during their upcoming regular action meeting.
To date, public discussions have been held by the Emporia City Commission, the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas (RDA), and the Coffey County Commission regarding local interest in hosting the project.
The potential siting of a Natrium reactor by TerraPower and Evergy presents a significant opportunity for the Emporia region — whether or not the facility lands in Lyon County itself.
From higher tax revenue and expanded housing and workforce markets to educational synergies and vital energy-generation capacity, the ripple effects could benefit several communities.
As local governments move forward with support letters and stakeholder engagement, the region is positioning itself to seize this transformative development.