Cooperative Living March 2024 - 19

CLOSER LOOK
The Nuclear Option
Exploring new energy solutions
by Jennah Denney, Contributing Columnist
E
lectric cooperatives' top
priority is to provide reliable
and aff ordable electricity to
their members. In the quest to meet
the growing energy demands of their
local communities, they continually
explore innovative solutions. One
such solution is nuclear energy. With
advancements in technology and safety
measures, nuclear power off ers the
potential for sustainable electricity
generation.
Nuclear energy, oſt en overshadowed
by solar and wind energy, provides a
reliable source of power that can be
generated at any time. Over the past two
decades, nuclear power has reliably and
economically contributed nearly 20%
of electrical generation in the United
States. It remains the single-largest
contributor, accounting for more than
70% of non-greenhouse gas-emitting
power generation in the country.
Nuclear energy currently accounts
for about 15% of the electricity delivered
by electric cooperatives, and more
than two-thirds of all co-ops include
a percentage of nuclear energy in their
local fuel mix.
SIXTY YEARS STRONG
Th ere are 92 nuclear reactors
operating in the U.S., with 47 in
the South, 22 in the Midwest, 18 in
the Northeast and six in the West,
according to the International Atomic
The Vogtle Unit 3 commenced
commercial operations in the summer
of 2023. The project created numerous
jobs during its construction phase.
co-opliving.com
Energy Agency. Nuclear energy
has been powering the nation's
grid for the past six decades, producing
an average of one gigawatt of power
per plant.
Nuclear energy
has been producing
an average of one
gigawatt of power
per plant.
and located in areas that
wouldn't support a full-scale
nuclear plant, providing
greater fl exibility in energy
production. However, SMRs
face several hurdles, including
capital-investment costs, economic
competitiveness, supply chain challenges,
and radioactive waste.
Light water reactor technologies,
also known as LWRs, make up the
existing U.S. nuclear fl eet, and have
a remarkable safety and performance
record. An example of this is the Vogtle
Unit 3, which commenced commercial
operations in the summer of 2023. It
is the fi rst newly constructed nuclear
unit in more than 30 years, and has the
capacity to power an estimated 500,000
homes and businesses.
Th e Vogtle Unit 3 is the fi rst
deployment of the AP1000 Generation
III+ reactor in the U.S. and is currently
the largest generator of clean energy
in the nation. Th e project created
numerous jobs during its construction
phase, and laid the foundation
for future Small Modular Reactor
deployments across the country.
THINKING SMALL AND SAFE
SMRs are seen as a promising
alternative to traditional large-scale
nuclear power plants, off ering shorter
construction times and increased
safety. Th ey can be easily transported
Like any other power source, nuclear
energy has its pros and cons. Th e most
signifi cant benefi t is that nuclear
power plants are a carbon-free source
of electricity, emitting no greenhouse
gases. Additionally, these plants provide
a reliable source of power, especially
during extreme weather conditions.
Th ey operate continuously and have
a relatively small physical footprint
compared to other forms of energy
generation. Additionally, nuclear plants
in the U.S. have the highest maximum
capacity for power output, at 92%.
Compare that to 49% for natural gas,
44% for coal, 34% for wind and 24%
for solar.
SAFETY IS A PRIORITY
Safety has always been a paramount
concern in the nuclear energy sector.
Generation III+ nuclear reactor designs,
like the Vogtle Unit 3, include safety
features that do not require sustained
operator action or electronic feedback to
safely shut down the plant in the event
of an emergency. Th ese enhanced designs
are more resilient to accidents and
have a reduced environmental impact.
By prioritizing safety, nuclear energy
can be harnessed responsibly without
compromising public well-being.
*
Jennah Denney writes on consumer and
cooperative aff airs for the National Rural
Electric Cooperative Association.
March 2024 * Cooperative Living * 17
PHOTO BY NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
PHOTO BY CHAD DAVIS
http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living March 2024

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