Imagine transforming a cavernous underground space into a bustling industrial hub—and now, picture it powered by nuclear energy. That’s the bold vision being explored for Rock City, a former limestone mine turned industrial park nestled beneath the Salt Lick Point nature reserve in Valmeyer, Illinois. But here’s where it gets controversial: the developer behind this innovative project is considering miniature nuclear reactors as a potential power source. Could this be the future of sustainable energy, or a risky gamble? Let’s dive in.
Rock City, a unique development housing the National Archives and businesses like Little Caesars and Cargill Meat, is no stranger to innovation. Its developer, Joe Koppeis, has been on a years-long quest to find alternative energy solutions for the underground complex. Skyrocketing electricity costs have pushed him to explore everything from wind turbines on bluffs to underwater turbines in the Mississippi River. However, local opposition and logistical challenges have stalled these plans. Now, Koppeis is turning his attention to nuclear power—specifically, up to 50 mini nuclear reactors developed by Italian company Terra Innovatum.
And this is the part most people miss: These aren’t your typical nuclear reactors. Terra Innovatum’s Solo reactors are just 33 feet tall, designed to produce 1 megawatt of electricity each—a fraction of the output of traditional nuclear plants, which generate around 1 gigawatt. Encased in 8 feet of concrete and cooled with helium instead of water, they’re touted as safer and more efficient. But will they pass regulatory muster? The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has yet to approve the technology, and Koppeis himself admits, ‘We don’t know if it will ever get approved in the United States.’
The project has sparked curiosity and concern alike. While Rock City could become the first commercial site to host these mini reactors, Terra Innovatum is also eyeing other locations. Meanwhile, Valmeyer Mayor Howard Heavner remains cautious, noting he lacks sufficient information to form an opinion. ‘You’ve got to look and listen if you want to continue to survive,’ he said, reflecting the broader tension between innovation and uncertainty.
But here’s another twist: Rumors are swirling about a potential new tenant at Rock City—a data center. Data centers, while booming due to the rise of artificial intelligence, are notorious for their energy consumption and environmental impact. Koppeis denies current negotiations but has openly expressed interest in attracting one to Rock City, even forming a development company called GridRock to facilitate the process. Could the push for nuclear power be tied to this ambition? Koppeis insists not, but the question lingers.
Environmental concerns are front and center. Residents have raised alarms about potential impacts, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has already terminated one consultation due to incomplete information. Koppeis is now seeking another review to assess the environmental effects of removing groundwater from an underground lake to expand the cave’s usable space.
So, what do you think? Is nuclear power the answer to Rock City’s energy woes, or a risky experiment? Should data centers be part of its future, despite their environmental footprint? Let us know in the comments—this conversation is just heating up.
