Often folks wonder what it’s like to live near a nuclear power plant. In many ways, it’s the same as having any other industry in your community. This one just provides energy to you.
Want to learn more about the relationship between nuclear and the communities that it serves? We’re asking the expert, NEI’s Senior Project Manager of New Nuclear, Kati Austgen.
How does the nuclear industry build trust with communities?
The nuclear industry can build trust with communities by doing what we do every day, which is act in an honest and trustworthy manner. Everyone wants to know that the person that they're speaking with is speaking candidly and is open to hearing their ideas, as well as understanding their concerns or what's important to them. So first, seeking to understand and then offering realism but staying open to opportunities.
Why are local governments and communities interested in nuclear development?
There are many reasons why local governments and communities would be interested in new nuclear. Primarily, we hear about the economic opportunities and the opportunity to bring in new jobs or retain some jobs. Transitioning from one energy to another energy. There's also the opportunity to bring in other industries that are also looking for clean, reliable, secure energy that's available 24/7.
What type of state and federal policies would help communities host an advanced reactor?
There are many federal policies that have recently been enacted that would help communities to host new nuclear. In particular, the Inflation Reduction Act includes various incentives, such as an added bonus, like if you cite in an energy community, an energy community is roughly defined as a community that's trying to transition away from relying on fossil energy to clean energies of the future.
There's also an interagency working group that's been set up among the federal government, energycommunities.gov, which has lots of information on how communities can explore what their energy future might look like. And that includes acknowledging nuclear as a piece of that future. Then at the state level, there are many policy options ranging from if you have a moratorium on new nuclear, of course you'd want to look at removing that moratorium, but then taking steps like conducting a study to see how new nuclear might fit into your goals for your state.
Is it safe to live near a nuclear plant?
Yes, it's safe to live near nuclear energy facilities. Our employees and their families live in those same communities, and the top priority of the nuclear energy industry is public health and safety, including our employees and our neighbors.
Are we seeing strong support for nuclear in communities where nuclear already exists?
Year after year, surveys show strong support, including one recent survey that showed over 90% support in the local community for the existing nuclear facilities. We also see folks that are related to the nuclear industry supporting building out new nuclear industry in those communities as they see an opportunity to retain and expand on the jobs and the economic advantages that they have in those communities. Some examples might be communities that are looking at the Department of Energy's clean up to clean energy program. But there's a whole variety of opportunities to expand and get into new nuclear.
How can I learn more about bringing new nuclear to my community?
There are a number of excellent resources for communities looking to learn more about new nuclear. Of course, you can check out NEI’s website, www.nei.org. But you could also check out the Department of Energy and in particular their Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear or GAIN. To learn more about work that's already been done to think about bringing new nuclear to communities.
