2021 saw a notable wave of support for nuclear energy. Policymakers, developers, investors, and thought leaders from across the U.S. have recognized nuclear power to be a pillar of our energy system and our nation’s decarbonization goals.
This year was also filled with challenges as COVID-19 continues to impact how we run our businesses, implement public health policies, and go about our daily lives. Amid this turmoil, though, climate change has taken center stage.
Calls to address the climate crisis have grown louder and commitments to decarbonize have grown stronger. This year’s headlines echo this moment and affirm nuclear energy’s key role in tackling this challenge. As we look ahead to how our existing reactors as well as new advanced nuclear technologies will provide the backbone of our clean energy transition, we reflect on news that caught readers’ attention this year.
- A Nuclear Power Plant Arrives on Mars, Rover Attached
Interest in space exploration has been booming in 2021. Nuclear power is essential to this mission, as it has successfully powered space missions for over 60 years. In February, NASA’s Perseverance rover, powered by a nuclear battery, landed on the surface of Mars. Innovative space technologies are on the horizon, such as nuclear thermal propulsion and next-generation nuclear batteries, which are poised to help us explore deeper in the universe and understand the causes of climate change and global warming. - Bill Gates Talks About the Potential of Nuclear Innovation on ‘60 Minutes’
Gates has been a strong advocate for nuclear energy for many years. He spoke with Anderson Cooper on CBS’ “60 Minutes” in February about his big ideas to reduce carbon emissions—with nuclear playing a key role. His company TerraPower has been in the news recently due to the site selection of its Natrium Demonstration Project, which will support the coal to nuclear transition. - Advancing Nuclear Technologies
The landscape of advanced nuclear has vastly expanded over the course of the last year. This blog post explores these different new technologies, and NEI’s Dr. Everett Redmond explains how the latest innovations will make nuclear reactors smaller, simpler, and safer. - As ESG commitments grow in the business community, is this the moment for a climate solution?
ESG is at the center of the conversation as businesses make commitments to sustainability—a vision that increasingly focuses on a net zero future. NEI’s Monica Trauzzi sat down with ClearView Energy Partners’ Kevin Book to discuss the performative and impactful aspects of ESG and whether this is THE moment for the public and private sectors to produce a climate solution. - Nuclear Energy Trending in the West
New nuclear energy programs and partnerships have blossomed across the nation and have gained momentum in regions where nuclear hasn’t always been present. Carbon reduction goals have prompted Western states to rethink nuclear, due to its carbon-free, always-on attributes. Customers from California to Wyoming are forming exciting partnerships and exploring the possibilities of what new nuclear technologies will bring to the region.
Tune in the next couple weeks for a look back at what the nuclear industry has accomplished in 2021, as well as a look forward to the big moments we expect to come in 2022.
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