New Reactors Signal U.S. Nuclear Energy Resurgence

The United States has approved construction of new nuclear reactors for the first time in three decades. These “third-generation” reactors, to be built in Georgia are said to be safer, with longer-lasting batteries and passive cooling systems powered by gravity so that they can survive longer during emergencies without outside power, giving people days instead of hours to react.

This news comes at an important time, as America needs a cost-efficient, low-carbon solution to the nation’s increasing electricity demand — projected to rise 24 percent by 2035. Expanding nuclear energy as part of the mix of electricity generation options is necessary to meeting its growing power needs cleanly and cost-effectively.

These reactors will power scores of businesses and homes — 1.6 million in Georgia alone — and it will do so affordably and reliably. At about two cents per kilowatt-hour, the production cost for electricity at nuclear energy facilities is lower than all other major sources of power. By comparison, energy from natural gas-fueled plants doubles that cost at roughly four cents per kilowatt-hour. 

It’s also good news for American workers as the new nuclear energy construction also creates thousands of jobs and 800 career-long jobs to operate the reactors for at least 60 years.