As the U.S. grapples with escalating electricity demands, officials are asserting that nuclear power must play a central role in the nation’s energy strategy. Mike Goff, acting assistant secretary for the Office of Nuclear Energy at the Department of Energy, recently warned that to meet future energy needs, the U.S. must expand its nuclear capabilities substantially. The need to not only maintain energy security but also to address climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions makes the current nuclear fleet expansion imperative.
The U.S. boasts the largest operational nuclear fleet globally, with 94 reactors generating around 100 gigawatts of power, accounting for over 18% of the national electricity consumption in 2023. However, Goff emphasizes that maintaining this current level is not sufficient; instead, the U.S. needs to develop an additional 200 gigawatts of nuclear energy—equivalent to constructing approximately 200 new reactors—to keep pace with growing electricity requirements anticipated over the coming decades.
The proposed restart of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant, scheduled for 2028, marks a significant turn in the narrative of nuclear energy in the United States. Goff acknowledges this positive step, pointing out that Three Mile Island’s Unit 1, distinct from the infamous reactor that suffered a partial meltdown in 1979, had been decommissioned for economic reasons rather than safety concerns. The involvement of tech giant Microsoft, which plans to purchase electricity from the plant for its data centers, illustrates a growing recognition of the necessity for reliable, clean energy sources.
Goff notes that the increasing demand from large data centers—integral to modern technology—intensifies the need for stable, baseload power. As these facilities often consume vast quantities of electricity, they present a compelling case for nuclear energy as a resilient and clean solution that fits their requirements.
While the potential to restart existing nuclear facilities like Three Mile Island is promising, Goff highlights that it will only cover a fraction of the energy needs. With only a handful of shuttered plants available as candidates for reactivation, the U.S. faces significant barriers in meeting its ambitious energy goals solely through these means. The reality is stark; the nation must aggressively pursue new nuclear initiatives to bridge the anticipated electricity gap.
Moreover, many former coal-producing regions have shown promise as viable locations for new nuclear plants. As coal plants are decommissioned in the clean energy transition, they leave behind not just available sites but also transmission infrastructure, making it easier and less costly to establish new reactors.
Cost remains a persistent obstacle to expanding the nuclear fleet. Citing the Vogtle plant expansion in Georgia—an undertaking that ballooned over $30 billion and saw a significant delay—Goff underscores that financial overruns and protracted timelines are formidable barriers to new constructions. However, some potential solutions are on the horizon. By utilizing existing coal facilities and the expertise of their workforce, significant cost reductions might be achievable. The Department of Energy suggests that transitioning to nuclear on these sites could result in cost reductions of up to 30% compared to starting from scratch.
This economic shift is further supported by policy changes, such as those arising from the Inflation Reduction Act, which enhances the competitiveness of nuclear energy. The perception of nuclear power as a reliable, green alternative is gradually solidifying, presenting an opportunity to reestablish its significance in the broader energy market.
In light of these challenges, the reopening of reactors, such as the Three Mile Island and Michigan’s Palisades plant, symbolizes a crucial step in revitalizing the nuclear energy sector. However, Goff and others in the industry must also address the long-term requirements for establishing new plants—particularly smaller, advanced nuclear reactors that could accelerate the process of scaling up for future energy demands.
With a potential capacity of 269 additional gigawatts when accounting for both coal and nuclear sites, the U.S. faces a pivotal moment. Advanced nuclear technology could ultimately redefine the country’s energy landscape if pursued aggressively. As the electrification of various sectors continues and global climate imperatives grow, the nuclear sector must recognize its critical role.
While restarting existing reactors is a necessary interim strategy, a sustainable approach must focus on constructing new facilities designed for the future. The cooperation between public institutions, private entities, and regulatory bodies will be essential to turn these challenges into opportunities and lay the groundwork for a robust nuclear energy framework.