Key Issues
Expanded Manufacturing Capacity Needed to Support New Nuclear Plant Construction
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New Plants Will Require Increased Infrastructure
The U.S. Department of Energy predicts significant increases in demand for electricity production—45 percent by 2030. Few power plants that provide base- load generation have been built in the last 20 years. As a result, energy companies are exploring options for new baseload electricity generation, including new nuclear power reactors.
After more than a decade since the last U.S. reactor began operation, 16 companies and consortia are preparing to submit applications to build more than 30 new plants.
A 2005 DOE report concluded that the necessary manufacturing capacity is available or can be readily available to support the construction and commissioning of up to eight reactors between 2010 and 2017. However, companies may begin con-struction on as many as 17 new plants in the United States over the next six years, according to industry estimates.
One of the steps the industry is taking toward new-plant construction is beginning to develop the supply chain for building new plants. This will ensure critical components are available for multiple projects.
New Plants Will Require Increased Infrastructure
The U.S. Department of Energy predicts significant increases in demand for electricity production—45 percent by 2030. Few power plants that provide base- load generation have been built in the last 20 years. As a result, energy companies are exploring options for new baseload electricity generation, including new nuclear power reactors.
After more than a decade since the last U.S. reactor began operation, 16 companies and consortia are preparing to submit applications to build more than 30 new plants.
A 2005 DOE report concluded that the necessary manufacturing capacity is available or can be readily available to support the construction and commissioning of up to eight reactors between 2010 and 2017. However, companies may begin con-struction on as many as 17 new plants in the United States over the next six years, according to industry estimates.
One of the steps the industry is taking toward new-plant construction is beginning to develop the supply chain for building new plants. This will ensure critical components are available for multiple projects.
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