Nuclear Power
Cheap natural gas and the resulting wholesale electricity price declines have squeezed the revenues for nuclear generators, many of which have come under the risk of premature closure due to their inability to compete in the wholesale markets. However, multiple states have expressed support for options to keep nuclear as a low-carbon baseload electricity source in their energy portfolios.
Legislation enacted across states in 2017 calls for greater diversity in power sources—from expanding renewables to supporting nuclear and natural gas infrastructure. However, there is a clear trend showing the intent to prioritize clean energy and climate policy. States in the forefront of grid modernization plans continue to support renewable development while others are following their models as a way to emulate effective policies.
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Legislation enacted across states in 2017 calls for greater diversity in power sources—from expanding renewables to supporting nuclear and natural gas infrastructure. However, there is a clear trend showing the intent to prioritize clean energy and climate policy. States in the forefront of grid modernization plans continue to support renewable development while others are following their models as a way to emulate effective policies.
Multiple proposals to preserve and expand nuclear generation have emerged among states willing to do so. These include zero emission credits (ZEC), categorizing nuclear as an alternative or renewable energy source, easing the construction process, and establishing cost recovery mechanisms. A few states, particularly Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington have passed policies to foster small modular reactors. New York and Illinois, which have established ZEC programs, have sparked a national debate over the premature closure of their nuclear plants due to their inability to compete in wholesale markets.
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Multiple proposals to preserve and expand nuclear generation have emerged among states willing to do so. These include zero emission credits (ZEC), categorizing nuclear as an alternative or renewable energy source, easing the construction process, and establishing cost recovery mechanisms. A few states, particularly Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington have passed policies to foster small modular reactors. New York and Illinois, which have established ZEC programs, have sparked a national debate over the premature closure of their nuclear plants due to their inability to compete in wholesale markets.
Ohio SB 128 would create a zero-emissions nuclear resource program to subsidize the state’s nuclear plants for providing fuel diversity and environmental benefits. The proposal is similar to programs in New York and Illinois which are facing lawsuits for discriminating specific generating units and infringing on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s authority over interstate electricity markets, underscoring the need for market-based solutions to drive the nuclear industry in future.
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Ohio SB 128 would create a zero-emissions nuclear resource program to subsidize the state’s nuclear plants for providing fuel diversity and environmental benefits. The proposal is similar to programs in New York and Illinois which are facing lawsuits for discriminating specific generating units and infringing on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s authority over interstate electricity markets, underscoring the need for market-based solutions to drive the nuclear industry in future.
Illinois has enacted SB 2814 which creates a zero emission standard (ZES) to support in-state nuclear power, joining New York in setting a model to value nuclear as a zero-carbon energy source. While much attention has been placed on the ZES, the legislation includes the long-awaited update to the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) and substantially expands energy efficiency programs, winning the support of renewable energy and environmental advocates.
This content requires that you purchase additional access. The price is $99.00.
Illinois has enacted SB 2814 which creates a zero emission standard (ZES) to support in-state nuclear power, joining New York in setting a model to value nuclear as a zero-carbon energy source. While much attention has been placed on the ZES, the legislation includes the long-awaited update to the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) and substantially expands energy efficiency programs, winning the support of renewable energy and environmental advocates.
A coalition of energy companies have filed a lawsuit against New York’s nuclear subsidy plan for infringing on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s jurisdiction over wholesale electricity markets. The outcome of the recent court case and the success of the program in general will significantly impact the long-term prospects for the U.S. nuclear industry in unregulated markets.
This content requires that you purchase additional access. The price is $99.00.
A coalition of energy companies have filed a lawsuit against New York’s nuclear subsidy plan for infringing on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s jurisdiction over wholesale electricity markets. The outcome of the recent court case and the success of the program in general will significantly impact the long-term prospects for the U.S. nuclear industry in unregulated markets.
New York's proposed nuclear subsidy program could prompt additional policy changes, especially in terms of market design, as retention of existing nuclear plants requires long-term financial viability, which in turn hinges on wholesale markets recognizing the benefits of nuclear power.