Amid growing federal and state efforts to encourage advanced nuclear technologies to accomplish decarbonization goals, a recent announcement to terminate a first-of-a-kind small modular reactor (SMR) power project in the U.S. signifies…Read the full report …...
Amid growing federal and state efforts to encourage advanced nuclear technologies to accomplish decarbonization goals, a recent announcement to terminate a first-of-a-kind small modular reactor (SMR) power project in the U.S. signifies the hurdles facing the industry.
The completion of a new reactor at Georgia’s Plant Vogtle is viewed as a significant milestone for the U.S. nuclear industry despite massive cost overruns and years of delays. The lessons learned are expected to inform best practices…Read the full report …...
The completion of a new reactor at Georgia’s Plant Vogtle is viewed as a significant milestone for the U.S. nuclear industry despite massive cost overruns and years of delays. The lessons learned are expected to inform best practices for new projects even as a host of advanced technologies ranging from small modular reactors to microreactors are being developed. The development comes at a time when focus on decarbonization and energy security has elevated the importance of nuclear power as a critical technology to achieve national and state goals.
Policy developments around nuclear energy continue to evolve driven by new reactor technologies and the need for carbon-free power to support clean energy goals. Nuclear operators can have their yellowcake and eat it too as massive federal and state subsidies protect traditional nuclear power plants while underwriting the development of advanced reactors.
The focus on decarbonization and energy security has elevated the importance of nuclear power as a critical technology to achieve national and state goals. Recent actions include the second award cycle of a $6 billion federal program established to maintain the existing reactor fleet and proposals to explore the feasibility of deploying advanced nuclear technologies.
Efforts to preserve and expand the U.S. nuclear fleet are figuring more prominently across the U.S., spurred by the growing demand for emission-free energy. In particular, policy actions and initiatives are geared towards making nuclear power more competitive.
The U.S. nuclear energy sector is now on the verge of a revival after years of premature plant closures and dim forecasts. Investments and tax incentives included in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), enacted in August, add new momentum to the nuclear power industry.
The U.S. Energy Department’s $6 billion nuclear credit program, the pursuit for carbon-free generation to meet climate goals, and technological advancements are reigniting support for nuclear power. The global impact of Russia’s war on Ukraine has also escalated the importance of national security considerations in energy policies including a discussion about the role of nuclear power.
Nuclear power is increasingly viewed as a necessary resource to compensate for the decline in fossil fuel-based electricity in the transition towards a low-carbon future. Recent actions range from the U.S. Energy Department’s launch of a $6 billion program to sustain the existing nuclear fleet to West Virginia’s move to end a ban on nuclear plant construction and efforts to delay the closure of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant in California.
