The Trump Administration’s proposal is a bad idea predicated on a made-up problem. Here’s a better approach. Read more >
The Future of Nuclear Power
More than one-third of US nuclear plants are unprofitable or scheduled to close. If they’re replaced by natural gas, emissions will rise—with serious consequences for the climate
Forget the Trump Bailout—Here’s a Real Solution for Nuclear and the Climate
Rob Cowin, director of gov't affairs, Climate & Energy
November 13, 2018 10:01 AM EDT
The 908 MW Davis-Besse nuclear power plant, owned by FirstEnergy and located 21 miles east of Toledo, Ohio on Lake Erie. Photo: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Even in a Carbon-Constrained World, FirstEnergy’s Nuclear Bailout Proposal in Ohio Must Be Rejected
Jeff Deyette, director of state policy & analysis, Clean Energy
November 8, 2018 12:01 AM EDT
A new report, The Nuclear Power Dilemma, released today by my UCS colleagues, finds that more than one-third of the nation’s nuclear power fleet – that provides more than 20 percent of the country’s nuclear power – are uneconomic or slated to retire over the next decade primarily due to economic, safety, and performance reasons. FirstEnergy is now seeking a bailout from the Ohio legislature to keep two of the uneconomic plants open. In a world where the threat of climate change is increasingly dire and the need to dramatically cut carbon emissions is even more urgent, every source of zero-carbon energy is important. But make no mistake: FirstEnergy’s bailout proposals for its struggling nuclear plants are poorly conceived and must be rejected. Here’s why. Read more >
The 671 MW Monticello Nuclear Generating Station is located along the Mississippi River 40 miles northwest of the Twin Cities and provides about 10 percent of Xcel’s electricity in the Upper Midwest. Photo: Source: Nuclear Regulatory Commission/Flickr
Carbon Pricing is Key to Economic Viability of Xcel’s Nuclear Power Plants in Minnesota
Steve Clemmer, director of energy research, Clean Energy
November 8, 2018 12:01 AM EDT
A new UCS report released today found that more than one-third of U.S. nuclear plants–representing 22 percent of total US nuclear capacity–are uneconomic or slated to retire over the next decade under current market conditions. The UCS study, The Nuclear Power Dilemma, shows that the economic viability of the nation’s nuclear plants is threatened by low natural gas prices, the declining cost of renewable energy, investments in energy efficiency, and the costs of upgrading aging plants to ensure safe operation.
Why We’re Taking a Hard Look at Nuclear Power Plant Closures
Ken Kimmell, president
November 8, 2018 12:01 AM EDT
Nuclear power plants are controversial, for legitimate reasons. But we need to make hard choices. Read more >
Beaver Valley nuclear in PA. Photo: United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Natural Gas is Undermining Pennsylvania’s Nuclear Plants—And That’s Bad News for the Climate
Jeremy Richardson, senior energy analyst
November 8, 2018 12:01 AM EDT
What are the implications for Pennsylvania, which has five nuclear power plants that in total provide the second highest nuclear operating capacity of any state? Read more >