20251028Comment_1.pdf

From: Michelle R. Rutledge <[e-mail]>
Sent:Tuesday, October 28, 2025 10:34 AM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Cc: Elli F. Brown <[e-mail]>; John P. Revier<[e-mail]>
Subject: Letter of Support from John Wagner, Case No IPC-E-25-08
Monica and IPUC Commissioners,
Attached is a letter of support from John Wagner, President of Battelle Energy Alliance,
relating to the Southwest Intertie Project-North.
Best regards,
Michelle
Michelle R. Rutledge
Senior Executive Assistant
[e-mail] I office:208-526-8951 mobile:[phone]
Idaho National Laboratory I PO Box 1625, MS 3695 Idaho Falls, ID 1 83415
1&Wahok&wRoboic,1,-.r-,'-

01y
`\w Idaho National Laboratory
October 27,2025
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
ATT: Commissioners
P.O. Box 83720
Boise,ID 83720-0074
Dear Commissioners:
I am writing to provide my support for the Southwest Intertie Project-North(SWIP-North)based on its
relevance to enabling advanced nuclear deployment across the western United States.
Transmission Infrastructure as an Enabler of Advanced Nuclear Deployment
The proposed SWIP-North is directly relevant to facilitating deployment of microreactors, small modular
reactors, and nuclear fuel cycle facilities.Advanced nuclear technologies offer unique deployment advantages
including smaller footprints,modular factory fabrication, and flexible siting options at repurposed industrial
sites, former coal plant locations, and remote facilities.However,these deployment scenarios require
transmission pathways that can provide construction power to facilitate deployment and then ensure power
delivery when needed and export excess generation to broader markets. SWIP-North's bidirectional capability
provides this flexibility while improving grid reliability and reducing congestion across the western electric
grid.
Supporting the Complete Nuclear Energy Value Chain
The administration's recent executive orders establish ambitious targets,including facilitating 5 gigawatts of
power uprates at existing reactors and initiating construction of 10 new large reactors by 2030. Idaho is
developing domestic nuclear fuel fabrication capabilities with several companies considering establishing
facilities at or near INL to support both demonstration reactors and commercial deployment. These facilities
require reliable grid connections for power supply and integration with the broader energy system.
Transmission infrastructure represents a significant cost and timeline barrier for advanced nuclear projects.
Projects requiring dedicated transmission lines face additional permitting requirements, extended development
timelines, and increased capital costs affecting project viability. SWIP-North reduces these barriers for nuclear
projects in southern Idaho,particularly relevant given the concentration of nuclear innovation,testing facilities,
and fuel cycle capabilities interested in siting in this part of the state.
Strengthening Grid Reliability and Resilience
SWIP-North will enhance grid reliability across the western interconnection reducing vulnerability to single-
point failures and provides operational flexibility during planned maintenance or unplanned outages.
The project will increase grid resilience against extreme weather events and wildfires—challenges that have
become increasingly significant across the western states. By establishing parallel transmission pathways
connecting Idaho to Nevada and ultimately to the broader Desert Southwest and Pacific Northwest systems,
SWIP-North reduces congestion on existing transmission corridors and improves load-balancing
capabilities across multiple time zones and demand profiles. For nuclear facilities requiring uninterrupted
operations and robust safety systems,this enhanced grid stability provides critical operational advantages.
P.O.BOX 1625 • 2525 NORTH FREMONT • IDAHO FALLS,IDAHO 83415 • 208-526-0111 • WWW.INL.GOV
Operated by Battelle Energy Alliance,LLC forThe United States Department of Energy

Driving Economic Prosperity Through Energy Infrastructure
Energy abundance is fundamental to economic growth, and SWIP-North represents infrastructure investment
that will deliver substantial economic benefits across southeastern Idaho and the broader region. The project
creates immediate construction employment while generating local tax revenues that directly support
surrounding communities.
More significantly,the long-term economic impact stems from enabling energy-intensive industries and
advanced technology deployment.Nuclear energy projects, including the microreactor and small modular
reactor facilities being considered for Idaho,represent billion-dollar capital investments that create sustained
high-wage employment throughout construction and decades of operations. Fuel fabrication facilities and
supporting supply chain infrastructure add additional layers of economic activity and technical workforce
development.
Beyond nuclear specifically, accessible transmission capacity attracts data centers, advanced manufacturing,
and other industries requiring reliable,high-capacity power. These facilities seek locations where transmission
infrastructure can accommodate their substantial energy demands without lengthy,costly buildouts. SWIP-
North positions southeastern Idaho competitively for such investment by establishing transmission capacity
ahead of demand—the infrastructure foundation that enables rather than constrains economic development.
Energy availability directly correlates with economic opportunity. Regions with robust transmission
infrastructure and diverse energy portfolios consistently demonstrate stronger industrial growth,higher wage
employment, and greater economic resilience. SWIP-North strengthens this foundation across Idaho and
neighboring states, supporting economic prosperity throughout the western interconnection.
Conclusion
SWIP-North enhances the enabling conditions for advanced nuclear deployment in the Idaho region by
addressing transmission capacity,grid resilience,bidirectional flexibility, and deployment barriers relevant to
microreactor, small modular reactor,and fuel cycle facility deployment across the western interconnection.
The project simultaneously strengthens grid reliability through redundant pathways and resilience against
extreme weather,while driving economic prosperity through immediate construction employment and long-
term infrastructure that attracts energy-intensive industries and advanced technology investments to
southeastern Idaho and the broader region.
Sincerely,
J
fhn C. Wagner,Ph.D.
resident,Battelle Energy Alliance,LLC
AJH:MRR