What’s New? MIT’s Energy Initiative this week released “The Future of Nuclear Energy in a Carbon-Constrained World,” a follow up to important studies on the future of nuclear energy in the United States first produced by the academy in 2003 and again in 2009. This latest assessment underscores the critical role nuclear energy plays in ensuring affordable electricity, as well as providing a large share of low-carbon generation.
Fast Facts:
- The study debunks the myth that meeting clean energy goals with 100 percent renewables will be straightforward, easy or affordable.
- It urges lawmakers to institute polices that create a level playing field for clean technologies in energy markets and value the non-emitting attributes of nuclear with Zero-Emission Credit (ZEC) programs. Already three states have established ZEC programs, and a fourth, Connecticut, has passed a law allowing for nuclear power to compete with renewables.
- The study finds that nuclear power will keep electricity prices low, particularly where there are constraints on carbon emissions. This supports previous studies that show that closing nuclear plants increases wholesale electricity prices.
- It points to opportunities for improvement in new plant construction and operation costs, which the industry is addressing by using proven construction management practices and shifting from onsite construction to manufacturing and assembly at factories.
- And it calls on the government to establish programs and funding for new nuclear technologies by sharing licensing costs, funding research and development, and providing electricity production tax credits.
What NEI’s John Kotek has to say about the study: “MIT’s study highlights nuclear energy as a vital contributor in helping meet environmental goals across the globe, and MIT researchers are also explicit in linking the loss of existing nuclear power in the U.S. with increased costs for electricity consumers and setbacks for clean air targets. As our nation’s largest clean energy source, nuclear energy should continue to play a prominent role in any credible program to mitigate against carbon and air pollution.
“The widespread innovation underway in the nuclear field will add new technology options that can reduce the cost of plant construction and operation while providing a broader range of energy products and services. These technical advancements, coupled with reformed market policies and increased government support for advanced reactor development and deployment, can enable nuclear to play a prominent role in the global drive toward a cleaner energy future. The MIT study is a valuable contribution to a vital discussion of our energy present and future.”
The Big Picture: The findings contribute to a larger conversation about the need for policymakers and U.S. electricity markets to value all zero-emissions technologies. It emphasizes the necessity of collaborative efforts by industry and the federal government, paving the way for the American nuclear industry to compete with state-owned developers abroad. The study also outlines recommendations the industry has championed for years, and sends a clear message that without proper policies and laws in place, we will move further away from lowering emissions and meeting our environmental goals.
What to Look for Next: MIT will host an event in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 25 to discuss the findings. Also keep a watch on actions the DOE, White House, and states like Pennsylvania and Ohio in 2019 could take to enact policies to aid at-risk plants.
Available NEI Expert: Matt Crozat, Senior Director of Policy Development. Contact NEI’s media team at [email protected].