Nuclear power's role in New York's clean energy shift - Spectrum News
Nuclear power's role in New York's clean energy future
State officials have committed to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040. As New York transitions to cleaner forms of fuel, nuclear power could play a big role.
Christopher Hanson, the chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, toured a nuclear power plant in Oswego, one of four in Upstate New York, on Tuesday. He said facilities like that one are key for the state to achieve its clean energy goals.
The push for clean energy hasn’t been well received by everyone, as some consumers and businesses have concerns over cost. However, advocates for nuclear energy believe it can make electricity more efficient.
Last August, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced funding from the Inflation Reduction Act will go to the four upstate nuclear reactors. That has the potential to save New Yorkers millions as early as 2025, according to the Hochul administration.
As part of that, Hanson has his eyes on nuclear facilities.
"I believe across the U.S., there's an interest in having nuclear plants operate longer in order to help meet some of those clean energy goals," said Hanson. "Obviously, anytime you don't have to go build a new facility and you can make the one you've got run a little longer, it's a wise investment."
According to Nuclear New York, 20% of New York’s electricity is powered by nuclear energy.
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.