A new era for nuclear energy post Inflation Reduction Act
Nuclear power has been pushing electrons onto the U.S. energy grid since 1957, with little fanfare touting its steadfast reliability and carbon free attributes. However, with increasing focus on decarbonization initiatives and an influx of public and private-sector investments, nuclear energy is sharing the stage with wind, solar, and other low-carbon projects as an indispensable asset in the fight against climate change.
Related Knowledge Center: ENERGY BASICS: nuclear
Nuclear energy provides almost 20 percent of the U.S. electricity supply. Advocates have called for an expanded role for nuclear as an emissions-free fuel source. But the economics of building new reactors are daunting. In addition, lingering safety concerns are an institutionalized part of the calculation of nuclear regulation, and highly radioactive nuclear waste remains a can that public officials have been inclined to kick down the road. The Energy Information Administration projects a sharp decline in nuclear power generation over the next decade, as new nuclear plants — two are planned — are more than offset by anticipated retirements of several operating reactors.