Demand for energy worldwide is projected to increase 44 percent between 2006 and 2030. To meet this demand, we need all sources of energy including nuclear. Nuclear power is a preferable clean energy source that does not contribute to health issues and Global Warming.
As reported by the Nuclear Energy Institute, Nuclear energy is the United States' largest source of emission-free electricity and second largest source of power. Additionally, nuclear power has the lowest production cost and highest capacity factor of the major sources of electricity. The 104 U.S. nuclear units supply approximately 20% of the electricity produced in the United States. Nuclear is a chief contributor to national energy security, as well, nuclear energy is not subject to unreliable weather or climate conditions, unpredictable cost fluctuations, or dependence on foreign suppliers. Adding to their reliability, nuclear power plants are designed to operate continuously for long periods of time. They can run approximately 540 – 730 days at over 90% reliability before they are shut down for refueling.
Nuclear power has definite economic benefits. Economic impact studies show construction of a new reactor constitutes four to five years of jobs for as many as 5,000 workers, with 1000-1500 direct and indirect permanent jobs per unit once the plant starts operating. Jobs in the nuclear industry average about $80,000 and most require only a high school education and some specialized training. The plants create over $2 billion in GDP to the local area during construction and almost $1 billion to the state GDP during operations. They also improve schools, police, fire and medical in communities while lifting property values.
Natural gas, petroleum and coal prices are continuing to rise due to recently increased prices of fossil fuel, resulting in demand for fully electric homes and electric automobiles. Not only does nuclear energy present the most cost-effective solution, it is also the most "eco-efficient" of all energy sources because it produces the most electricity in relation to its minimal environmental impact. Nuclear power plants do not emit harmful gases, require a relatively small area, do not deplete natural resources (such as fossil fuels), and effectively mitigate other impacts. Resultantly, they cause no significant adverse effects to water, land, habitat, species and air resources.
A new Zogby poll finds 67% of Americans favor building new nuclear power plants and prefer nuclear more than coal, natural gas or oil plant in their community; Nuclear Energy Institute polls have found 84 percent of Americans living in close proximity to nuclear power plants favor nuclear energy, and 90% view the plant positively. Leading environmentalists, including a founder of Greenpeace and the former chairman of Friends of the Earth, have endorsed nuclear energy as the only large-scale, non-emitting, affordable energy source that can address both global warming and sustainable development.
We favor an all-of-the-above approach; every form of generation has a use. The chart below has some information comparing different energy sources. Clearly, every form of energy has a role to play with a goal of responsibly phasing out carbon and other emissions.
