Nuclear power sees a resurgence with new Vogtle reactors

Recent developments at the Vogtle plant in Waynesboro, Georgia, have marked a significant milestone in the United States energy landscape with the commissioning of the first two nuclear reactors built in decades. This advancement occurs amid rising demand for carbon-free electricity, fuelled by climate regulations, the growth of artificial intelligence (AI), and a shift towards sustainable energy sources.

The new reactors represent the first additions to the U.S. nuclear fleet since 1990, highlighting a renewed interest in nuclear energy as part of a broader strategy to meet electricity needs. In June 2023, Congress passed the ADVANCE Act, a bipartisan initiative aimed at stimulating the construction of additional nuclear reactors across the country. Prominent tech companies, including Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, have also made large-scale commitments to invest in small nuclear reactors to secure their energy requirements sustainably.

Daniel Poneman, a senior fellow at the Belfer Center and former deputy secretary of energy, elaborated on the motivations driving the momentum behind nuclear power. Speaking to the Harvard Gazette, Poneman emphasised that nuclear energy has proven to be a reliable source of clean power, contributing nearly half of the nation’s carbon-free electricity and around 20% of total electricity production. The increasing demand for electricity, propelled by the AI revolution and the necessary decarbonisation of various sectors, underlines the importance of nuclear as a stable energy source.

Poneman identified several converging market forces contributing to this renewed interest in nuclear energy, including the financial stability of large cloud service providers that are capable of investing significantly in nuclear technology. He noted that there is currently a broad bipartisan support for nuclear energy, a point he reiterated with the statement, “I don’t think there’s any issue that has broader or deeper bipartisan support than this one.”

Concerns related to safety, costs, and environmental impacts have historically hindered the nuclear industry. However, advancements in reactor technology are changing the landscape. Poneman highlighted the emergence of advanced reactors—the new, smaller designs that can be produced on a factory assembly line, making them more cost-effective and safer. This shift towards standardised construction can help alleviate many of the issues that plagued past nuclear projects, where complexity and customisation led to significant budget overruns and delays.

The Biden administration has also set ambitious nuclear targets, recently announced at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, aiming to establish 200 gigawatts of new nuclear power by 2050. While Poneman acknowledges these goals as curious and necessary, he also points out the myriad factors that need to align to achieve them. “Smart government policies” and effective regulations will be critical, alongside financial measures such as government loan guarantees that can mitigate risks and encourage private investment.

Poneman further emphasised that both the engineering workforce and the supply chain require revitalisation through training and job creation at various education levels. He indicated the need for highly skilled personnel capable of producing the precise components required for modern nuclear reactors. Additionally, garnering social support is essential to ensure the continuation of nuclear projects; positive shifts in public perception have been observed over the past few years, which may aid in this endeavour.

The developments at Vogtle and the broader context of nuclear energy reflect a critical shift in the U.S. energy strategy, with potential expansive implications regarding energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth within the nuclear sector.

Source: Noah Wire Services