Point: Nuclear Power is Our Best Energy Solution for a Better Tomorrow

Nuclear energy is a safe, reliable, carbon-free, source of base load electricity. Currently, there are 104 nuclear power reactors operating in the United States providing 20 percent of its electricity. Nuclear energy is the only form of base load power that does not burn hydrocarbons. New nuclear power generation will be needed to help meet future environmental goals, as well as future electricity demands and the need to modernize our nation’s electric generating fleet. New nuclear plants are also an engine for job creation and economic growth. 

Is it practical?
Even though nuclear energy has the highest capital cost for construction, it produces electricity at the second lowest cost to consumers, the lowest cost being gas combined cycle, according to a 2008 independent analysis by the Brattle Group. During a time when jobs are scarce and the economy is low, the nuclear energy industry is actually expanding and is a great source for new jobs and economic expansion. Currently, the NRC is reviewing 13 combined license applications from 12 companies and consortia for 22 nuclear power plants. Each of these will produce a peak of about 2,800 jobs during construction and up to 700 full-time positions once operating. Additionally, the average nuclear plant generates approximately $20 million per year in state and local taxes. 

Nuclear energy produces 20 percent of U.S. electricity and is the only non-carbon base load power generation source in the United States. Nuclear energy helps to diversify the domestic energy portfolio, and by having a diverse energy portfolio, provides a competitive energy marketplace that helps to stabilize price fluctuations in the electricity market.

The nuclear industry is also making great strides in reducing our dependency on foreign countries for our energy needs. Over the next five to ten years, the U.S. nuclear industry will transition from importing 75 percent of its uranium enrichment needs to relying heavily on domestic enrichment capacity.

Is it reliable?
The reliability of U.S. nuclear energy facilities is second to none. Nuclear energy has become the most reliable source of electricity, with an average annual capacity factor of 91.5 percent. Just to put that into perspective, this means nuclear energy is being produced 91.5 percent of every day and night. In comparison, coal has an average capacity factor of 71 percent and wind 31 percent. 

What’s the environmental cost?
Nuclear energy is the only large-scale, clean-air electricity source that can be expanded widely to produce reliable, significant amounts of base load electricity. To show how big of an impact nuclear energy can have on the environment, consider the following statistics, provided by the Nuclear Energy Institute. In 2009, U.S. nuclear power plants prevented the emissions of:

•  647 million metric tons of CO₂, which is equivalent to the CO₂ released from all U.S. passenger cars.
•  0.6 million short tons of nitrogen oxides
•  2 million short tons of sulfur dioxide

A study done by the University of Wisconsin showed the environmental life-cycle impact of nuclear energy is among the lowest of all forms of electricity generation. Nuclear energy is actually comparable to renewables such wind and geothermal.

In addition to helping contribute clean air energy, the companies that operate nuclear power plants protect the nearby wildlife and their habitats voluntarily. These activities have been recognized by organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, the National Wildlife Federation, the Audubon Society, Trout Unlimited, and several other notable organizations.

What about the social and humanitarian costs?
More than 15,000 deaths are attributed to the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. These tragic natural disasters also damaged a number of nuclear power plants along the Japanese coast. The public's safety has been protected from the damaged nuclear power plants by the dedicated nuclear workers who have been executing well-rehearsed emergency procedures.

Members of the public are alarmed by the damaged nuclear power plants in Japan. In response, U.S. nuclear organizations are taking immediate actions. First, nuclear energy facilities in the United States are conducting additional drills to ensure they are prepared to respond to an event similar to that in Japan, and are taking other actions to ensure the continued safe operation of U.S. nuclear stations. Second, nuclear organizations and their employees are donating to groups like the American Red Cross and the American Nuclear Society’s Japan Relief Fund to help with restoration efforts. Third, companies and groups like North American Young Generation in Nuclear are increasing their public outreach activities to answer questions about nuclear energy.

Is it safe?
The safe operation of nuclear power plants is the industry’s number one priority — every day, every task. The nuclear industry is proactive when it comes to instilling a strong safety culture at every facility. Companies are responsible for the safe operation and safety culture of their plants, while the NRC provides effective, rigorous oversight. The industry as a whole has developed numerous programs to continually improve the safety of every nuclear facility, and will continue sharing operating experience, lessons learned, and good practices to maintain nuclear operations at the highest possible standards. 

In conclusion, nuclear energy is a safe, efficient, reliable, carbon-free source of base load electricity. Nuclear energy also remains among one of the lowest cost electricity options. Beyond the economical and environmental benefits of nuclear, the industry will be creating many new jobs for a wide spectrum of professions as the nuclear industry continues to expand to meet future environmental goals and energy demands.   

To learn more, visit Clean Energy Insight and North American Young Generation in Nuclear.