Nuclear Energy Rises to the Net-Zero Challenge
U.S. greenhouse gas emissions dropped by 9.2 percent in 2020, largely due to the decline in transportation use during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to maintain this reduction and reach the ambitious emissions goals we all want, a multi-faceted approach is needed to build a clean energy economy and bolster the infrastructure that enables it. To ensure this approach benefits the environment and our society in an equitable way, nuclear energy is–and must continue to be–a key component of our 21st century energy portfolio. And as the International Energy Agency (IEA) has repeatedly warned, the world will never reach its climate goals without nuclear.
For over 60 years, nuclear power plants have been providing reliable energy for Americans throughout the country. Now that our country has re-entered the Paris Climate Accords and our industrial leaders understand the necessity of aggressive targets for reduced emissions goals, reliability remains a key consideration. Having operated at full capacity more than 92% of the time in 2020 and currently powering one fifth of the entire U.S. energy grid, nuclear power plants continue to prove they more than meet this mark. Not only is nuclear reliable, it is reliably clean, accounting for 52% of all carbon-free electricity generated in the U.S.
In recent years, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) implemented power uprates, which involves physically modifying a plant to increase its generating capacity in a safe manner. Nuclear power uprates have allowed nuclear capacity to increase significantly, resulting in nuclear energy sources powering 20% of the United States’ energy grid and, according to the research by the IEA, uprates provide the lowest cost energy, equivalent to renewables.
Nuclear is one of the most reliable clean sources of energy. In fact, nuclear plants emit no greenhouse gases. Zero emissions make our climate targets obtainable, which is why the U.S. government and energy providers can–and should–do more to expand our nuclear energy. As a large-cap utility company, Southern Company is setting a precedent for energy companies around the world. With their development of the first new nuclear units in the U.S. in the last three decades, Plant Vogtle 3 and 4 will produce enough clean electricity to power over 1 million homes and businesses throughout Georgia. Completing the Vogtle project will mark a milestone for America, and help to boost our global credibility, influence and competitiveness as a nation.
The recently signed bipartisan infrastructure law devotes $2.5 billion for nuclear research development, including advanced reactor technologies. More investment will be needed in the future to assure the availability of the zero-carbon benefits of nuclear power. However, the immediate task is to assure nuclear plants are not prematurely shut down. As we work towards a low-carbon future, opportunities for Americans transitioning to a clean economy will be crucial. Plus, nuclear investment will be important to the creation of jobs, both high-tech and high-paying.
As the nuclear sector grows, the new jobs created will benefit everyday communities and the lower energy costs of nuclear energy will allow customers and businesses alike to reap the benefits from more affordable and efficient power. Comparable energy rates show that American families pay an average of 10 cents per kilowatt-hour with energy sources utilizing nuclear power, compared to countries without nuclear, such as Germany, that pay almost 30 cents per kilowatt-hour. Each nuclear plant in operation also contributes about $67 million in federal tax revenue annually, which benefits state and local infrastructure as well. Expanding our energy portfolio to involve more nuclear energy will put extra money in the consumers’ pockets, and less on wasteful energy spending.
Yes, our nation has set ambitious goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. However, they’re possible to achieve if we invest in nuclear innovation and the infrastructure that enables an equitable clean energy economy. While the public and private sectors work hand-in-hand to create a diversified generation portfolio, nuclear should be at the top of their list. Making the right investments and expanding on essential energy innovations will put our nation on track for a safe and reliable future.
Theodore “Ted” J. Garrish recently served as Assistant Secretary for the Office of International Affairs at the Energy Department and while there was Vice Chair of the IEA in Paris.
Prior to confirmation as Assistant Secretary, Mr. Garrish spent over three decades on energy issues, including his tenure as General Counsel and later as Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy. While in the private sector, he advised U.S. companies on export controls and assisted emerging nuclear power nations to develop legal and regulatory programs and national policies for the use of nuclear energy technology.
