The units are the first new reactors to begin construction in the United States in more than 30 years. High capital costs, licensing and regulation approvals, coupled with long lead times and construction delays, have also deterred public interest.ĭOE is rebuilding its nuclear workforce by supporting the construction of two new reactors at Plant Vogtle in Waynesboro, Georgia. Conventional reactor designs are considered multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects. Constructing New Power Plantsīuilding a nuclear power plant can be discouraging for stakeholders. It is also developing new, specially designed railcars to support large-scale transport of used fuel in the future. For the foreseeable future, this fuel can safely remain at these facilities until a permanent disposal solution is determined by Congress.ĭOE is currently evaluating nuclear power plant sites and nearby transportation infrastructure to support the eventual transport of used fuel away from these sites. DOE is responsible for the eventual disposal and associated transport of all commercial used fuel, which is currently securely stored at 76 reactor or storage sites in 34 states. Many people view used fuel as a growing problem and are apprehensive about its transportation, storage, and disposal. Used Fuel Transportation, Storage and Disposal This perception is often based on three global nuclear accidents, its false association with nuclear weapons, and how it is portrayed on popular television shows and films.ĭOE and its national labs are working with industry to develop new reactors and fuels that will increase the overall performance of these technologies and reduce the amount of nuclear waste that is produced.ĭOE also works to provide accurate, fact-based information about nuclear energy through its social media and STEM outreach efforts to educate the public on the benefits of nuclear energy. Challenges of Nuclear EnergyĬommercial nuclear power is sometimes viewed by the general public as a dangerous or unstable process. government works with countries in this capacity to build relationships and develop new opportunities for the nation’s nuclear technologies. The United States must maintain its global leadership in this arena to influence the peaceful use of nuclear technologies. Supports National SecurityĪ strong civilian nuclear sector is essential to U.S. They also contribute billions of dollars annually to local economies through federal and state tax revenues. nuclear plants can employ up to 700 workers with salaries that are 30% higher than the local average. The nuclear industry supports nearly half a million jobs in the United States and contributes an estimated $60 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product each year. This avoids more than 470 million metric tons of carbon each year, which is the equivalent of removing 100 million cars off of the road. It generates nearly 800 billion kilowatt hours of electricity each year and produces more than half of the nation’s emissions-free electricity. Nuclear is the largest source of clean power in the United States.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |