Nebraska’s Atomic Experiment

In 1962, homes and businesses in Nebraska received electricity generated by nuclear energy for the very first time. The Hallam nuclear power plant, known as Sheldon Station, was a demonstration project of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission in partnership with Consumers Public Power. It was one of the first nuclear plants in America. Its unique design made it the first and only sodium-graphite reactor to work in tandem with a traditional coal-powered generator. In this episode of Once Again, we share the story of a power plant that was shut down after only two years, which could be considered either an innovative experiment or a technological failure. The remains of the reactor are buried just a few miles from the state capital. Now, the science behind the Hallam plant is being revisited as the Nebraska Public Power District considers expanding the availability of nuclear power with a new generation of small reactors.We'd love to hear your feedback on the podcast! Please answer a few questions in this short survey: NebraskaPublicMedia.org/podsurvey© 2025 Nebraska Public Media Foundation. All rights reserved. Discover images and additional information about the series at NebraskaPublicMedia.org/onceagain.