Key Issues
New Nuclear Plants
Industry Progress
Need for New Nuclear Plants
Concerns about rising electricity demand and clean air are among the factors driving interest in new nuclear plants. Nuclear energy is the only electricity source that can generate electricity 24/7 reliably, efficiently and with no greenhouse-gas emissions.
Economic Benefits of New Plants
Communities and states enjoy considerable economic benefits when they host new nuclear plants, including hundreds of jobs and an expanded tax base.
Industry and Government Programs
The industry and the federal government are jointly funding projects to make new reactors available as a clean energy source to help meet growing electricity demand in the United States.
Building New Nuclear Plants
Companies building the next nuclear plants will proceed in a phased process, increasing their investment in the project as they become more certain it is the right course of action.
New Nuclear Plant Licensing
The NRC has established an efficient new process for licensing nuclear power plants, giving the public opportunities for early participation and ensuring that safety is foremost throughout the process.
New Reactor Designs
The NRC has certified several reactor designs as meeting all safety requirements, and the agency expects to certify two more designs in the near term.
Nuclear Supply Chain
From the earliest stages of development, the successful construction of new plants depends on a robust supply chain to support nuclear manufacturing. Nuclear plants are comprised of hundreds of components and subcomponents, whose construction will require a deep and diverse supplier base.
Resources and Statistics
Fact sheets, policy briefs and other resources related to new nuclear power plants.- Resources and Statistics
- Fact Sheets
- Policy Briefs
- "New Nuclear Plants: An Engine for Job Creation, Economic Growth" (white paper, October 2009)
