Piketon Ohio is about two hours away from Marietta and it could be the future site of America's next nuclear power plant.

Thursday Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, along with executives from several energy companies, announced a "New Clean Energy Partnership."

"What will happen at this site will help lead the way to nuclear power becoming a vital part in our state's and our nation's growing energy apparatus," said Strickland.

Eric Fitch, the Director of Environmental Science at Marietta College said, "I think they picked a good site, it is with the current round of technology, as a safe renewable form of energy. It is zero carbon emissions and very little emissions other wise."

Fitch said the down side of a nuclear plant is no permanent disposal solution.

Charlotte Keim, the President of Marietta Chamber of Commerce said the plant would bring many jobs into the area.
"I think a power plant here would be a benefit to all of south eastern Ohio, and certainly even West Virginia benefits because we know workers travel back and forth across the river."

The Piketon facility could take more than 10 years to build and employ about 4,000 construction workers. Duke energy officials said a new nuclear plant at the site is not a sure thing.

Duke said the event was only an announcement of a proposal that includes the option of a nuclear plant.