It’s about energy availability, climate and national security
"Calls to bridge public perceptions and actual risk of nuclear accidents predate Three Mile Island, Chernobyl and Fukushima. Although laudable, this argument is unlikely to generate widespread public support for nuclear power. A more compelling argument focuses on energy availability, climate and national security.
The Energy Information Administration forecasts nontransportation-electricity demand returning to 2019 levels by 2025 and then increasing nearly 2% annually to more than 30% above today’s level by 2050. The market penetration of electric vehicles and net-zero carbon regulation will add additional points to demand growth.
Renewables and energy efficiency alone cannot meet even modest economywide increases on a timeline consistent with climate goals. Nuclear is the only proven nonfossil-fuel alternative that is expandable, using new designs to provide baseload 24/7/365 supply to fill the shortfall.
Nuclear also aligns well with national security concerns, especially avoiding interruption by overseas suppliers. The Ukraine situation shows reliable energy availability is national security.
Reliance on nuclear offers a realistic path forward. Capital investment, tax incentives, regulatory certainty and public-private partnerships are the keys to making it happen.
Prof. James L. Regens
University of Oklahoma
Nichols Hills, Okla.
Eugene A. Hughes
Managing director, Etranco
Carmel, Calif."
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