Advanced nuclear energy is a game-changer that builds on the proven track record of nuclear power as the largest, most reliable carbon-free energy source in the United States. In addition to decarbonizing our energy sector, advanced nuclear reactors provide multiple benefits such as creating thousands of jobs, improving national defense, and providing energy security. New nuclear also holds the key to decarbonizing major industries and paving the way for a sustainable future for the entire economy.
Climate
- Advanced nuclear energy, working with current nuclear technologies, is our best hope for reducing global emissions at the speed and scale needed to halt climate change.
- New reactors can produce zero-emission energy in higher quantities with a smaller land footprint than other clean energy sources.
- In addition to producing electricity, advanced nuclear reactors can also provide the heat and hydrogen needed to decarbonize industries like manufacturing and transportation, which make up 45 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions.
- NEI surveyed utility members and found that they see a role for nearly 100 gigawatts of new nuclear power to support their decarbonization goals. This translates to about 330 new SMRs.
- As part of the DOE’s new Pathways to Commercial Liftoff, the department found that U.S. domestic nuclear capacity has the potential to scale from approximately 100 gigawatts in 2023 to approximately 300 gigawatts by 2050, driven by the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.
Jobs
The development of next-generation nuclear energy will generate high-paying jobs and provide support to local economies in communities that are seeking to transition towards cleaner energy sources.
- Adding SMRs where coal power plants have been retired preserves crucial baseload and grid stabilizing benefits, alongside generating employment opportunities at a community level. Additionally, former coal plant employees may have the potential to be re-skilled to work at a nuclear facility.
- Estimates show construction and operation of a 600-megawatt SMR could employ 900 manufacturing and construction workers for about four years and create 300 permanent positions for the 60-year life of the plant.
- According to estimates, for every 100 jobs at nuclear power plants, 66 additional jobs are created in the local community.
- In the U.S., nuclear power plant jobs pay 20 percent more on average than jobs supported by other energy sources.
- According to the DOE's 2023 U.S. Energy and Employment Report, the nuclear electric power generation workforce trends younger than the average for the energy workforce and is close to the national workforce average. Our workforce also includes a higher percentage of non-white workers than both the energy workforce average and the national workforce average.
Remaining a leader in advanced nuclear will increase our allies’ energy security, bring business to the U.S., and help the world reach our climate goals.
Energy Security
Leading the global energy transition with advanced nuclear energy is essential for ensuring energy security in the United States and around the world, as it’s clear that national security is not possible without energy security.
- Spearheading the next generation of nuclear energy can strengthen our geopolitical alliances and maintain U.S. influence on international safety standards. American nuclear technology must be competitive in the global market or countries will turn to Russian and Chinese state-owned enterprises. They, not us, will build 100-year relationships throughout the globe.
- New nuclear reactors provide unparalleled protection against both natural disasters and intentional threats to power grids. They are designed to withstand such challenges and provide round-the-clock power supply to major cities as well as remote regions.
- The portability and modularity of SMRs make them capable of powering even the most remote areas, thereby ensuring energy security across the nation. This translates to greater access to affordable, reliable, green energy, which in turn promotes environmental justice in communities across the globe.
National Security
The existing nuclear power supply plays a critical part in preserving our national defense, and advanced nuclear will play a vital role in further enhancing our nation’s security.
- The Department of Defense is currently investigating the viability of micro-reactors to power its domestic bases using a carbon-free energy source that can operate independently from the electric grid around the clock. Moreover, advanced reactors can cater to the heat demands of other carbon-free energy applications at defense installations. Deploying SMRs at bases overseas would free up energy resources for missions and provide endurance for remote locations with mission-critical activities.
- Ensuring a secure nation necessitates the development of a resilient power grid and supply chain, and nuclear energy stands out as the only clean energy source capable of operating non-stop, even during extreme weather conditions. Next-generation reactors are engineered with extra reliability and features that render them even more robust and durable in the face of natural disasters.
- Advanced nuclear can also amplify humanitarian aid effectiveness. Some SMRs and microreactors can be transported by air, land, or sea to deliver power to isolated communities during times of crisis. Certain designs do not require any connection to the power grid to initiate operation and can operate independently before being relocated to another area in need.
Innovation
As the nation that pioneered nuclear technology, we can harness advanced nuclear to innovate competitively in other industries like medicine, agriculture and space exploration.