Key Issues:

Powering America's Future Promo
QUOTABLE:

"I think nuclear is at some level unavoidable. When we think about what the energy mix will be for stationary power say 30 years from now or 40 years from now, it's very hard to see how you're going to avoid the use of nuclear power.

– Dr. Robert Rosner
Director, Argonne National Laboratory
E&ETV, “OnPoint”
April 25, 2007

Key Issues

New Nuclear Plants

The U.S. Department of Energy projects that U.S. electricity demand will rise 25 percent by 2030. That means our nation will need hundreds of new power plants to provide electricity for our homes and continued economic growth.

Industry Progress

Some 17 companies and consortia are pursuing licenses for more than 30 nuclear power plants. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has begun reviewing the first wave of applications. For the latest details, see New Nuclear Plant Status. 

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 utilities build large power plants.

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.

Resources and Statistics

Fact sheets, policy briefs and other resources related to new nuclear power plants.

Viewpoints on Nuclear Energy
Priorities for the 110th Congress
The top priority of the nuclear energy industry in the 110th Congress is to facilitate the construction of new nuclear plants to provide clean, reliable baseload electricity.

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