Washington, D.C.—Today Energy Northwest unveiled a new study that lays out a path to reliably achieve 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2045 through clean resources like wind, solar and nuclear energy.

The study from Energy + Environmental Economics identifies pathways to reduce carbon emissions that includes preserving current nuclear plants through second license renewals and the deployment of innovative small modular reactors. These findings build on a consensus that nuclear energy, and even more of it, will be needed to meet climate goals because it provides reliable carbon-free electricity, 24/7.

The following statement can be attributed to Maria Korsnick, president and chief executive officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute:

“Today, Energy Northwest released a study that clearly demonstrates the important role of nuclear energy in a carbon-free future. Key to the success in reaching Washington state’s clean energy transformation is the license renewal of the Columbia Generating Station nuclear power plant and the availability of firm, carbon-free generation, like that offered by small modular reactors.

“Small modular reactors will provide always-on, reliable energy that can seamlessly complement wind and solar.  The cost feasibility study shows that they can be a critical component of any plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions in a cost-effective way.”