- President Trump announces comprehensive study of U.S. nuclear energy industry
- VP Mike Pence: U.S. will work to close Westinghouse AP1000 deals with India
- Energy Secretary Perry: “We want to make nuclear cool again”
The White House used its declaration of this week as “Energy Week” to highlight its energy priorities in several venues. The administration’s main theme is asserting the United States’ “global energy dominance.”
At a Thursday event culminating Energy Week at U.S. Department of Energy headquarters in Washington, D.C., President Trump gave a speech on “American Energy Dominance,” in which he announced a plan for an in-depth review of U.S. nuclear energy policy.
“We will begin to revive and expand our nuclear energy sector, which I’m so happy about, which produces clean, renewable and emissions-free energy,” Trump said. “A complete review of U.S. nuclear energy policy will help us find new ways to revitalize this crucial energy resource.”
NEI President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Korsnick attended the event with other industry and labor leaders. She said the industry welcomes a comprehensive study of the challenges facing America’s nuclear energy industry.
“Nuclear energy is a critical pillar of our nation's national security, a reliable creator of high-skill, high-paying jobs and the backbone of clean electricity generation,” Korsnick said after the event.
“If the president wishes for our nation to achieve nuclear energy dominance both at home and abroad, he'll do it by preserving the existing nuclear fleet, paving the way for the deployment of advanced nuclear designs and stimulating exports abroad. We look forward to working with the administration on these incredible opportunities.”
U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Rick Perry wants to "make nuclear energy cool again."
Nuclear energy was among the key topics of discussion during a state visit to the nation’s capital by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.
“The United States and India are committed to realizing commercial civil nuclear cooperation, in particular through a contract for six Westinghouse Electric AP1000 nuclear reactors to be built in Andhra Pradesh, India. Once completed, the project will provide reliable electricity for millions of Indian citizens,” a White House fact sheet stated.
At a meeting of the U.S.-India Business Council the next day, Vice President Mike Pence said energy cooperation and trade should result in a more robust partnership between the two countries.
“India boasts the world’s fastest-growing economy. But it can’t continue without energy, and American producers and grid developers are the best-suited to provide it. From liquefied natural gas, to nuclear power, to clean coal, to everything in between, American energy and American expertise can help power India’s future,” Pence said.
Of the other administration officials to weigh in on the importance of nuclear energy to the nation’s energy portfolio this week, Energy Secretary Rick Perry was by far the most enthusiastic.
“I believe no clean energy portfolio is truly complete without nuclear power, and so does the president. If you want to see the environment and the climate that we live in affected in a positive way, you must include nuclear energy with zero emissions to your portfolio. Do it safe, do it thoughtfully, do it economically. Under the leadership of the United States, the world can benefit from that,” Perry said in a June 27 press conference.
“This administration believes that nuclear energy development can be a game-changer and an important player in the development of our clean-energy portfolio globally. I believe we can achieve this by focusing on the development of technology, for instance, advanced nuclear reactors, small modular reactors,” he added.
Answering a question at his Tuesday press conference, Perry said the United States must not cede its historical leadership in nuclear technology and trade to Russia and China, both of which are aggressively seeking to expand their global influence.
“This is a massively important issue for the security of America and the security for America's allies. … I think it's important for us to look at the options, clearly having a plan to keep America engaged in the development of nuclear energy,” Perry said.
“One of the things we want to do at DOE is to make nuclear energy cool again.”