Peter Kelly-Detwiler reports that observers watching the U.S. nuclear industry can tell you that the industry has struggled through a rough patch. The existing and aging nuclear fleet is also facing significant pressure, resulting largely from the economics of restructured competitive power markets, and the fact that they do not value low- or zero-carbon electricity sources. The emergence of relatively cheap shale gas-fired power plants has shown to be tough competition. As a consequence, the economic viability of some of the existing nuclear facilities has been claimed to be an issue. But economic comparisons can also be rigged to favor one over another source of electricity.
The nuclear industry is pushing back against this dynamic, and has recently formed an initiative called Nuclear Matters to call attention to the fact that existing plants provide some very significant benefits to society. Their position is that we should do everything we can to ensure these valuable generating assets continue operating. The organization has brought together some powerful voices to make their case, including former U.S. Senators and other politicians from both sides of the aisle. Thus we have, for example, the unlikely coalition of former Clinton EPA Administrator Carol Browner and former Republican Senator and Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham on the same side of an issue.
Former Senators Blanche Lincoln, Dem of Arkansas and Judd Gregg - Repub of NH - were at a recent luncheon in Austin to make the case for extending the useful lives of nuclear plants.
Resource Portal for I2M Clients, Associates, and Geoscientists
Managed & Built by I2M Consulting, LLC | © 2010-
Managed & Built by I2M Consulting, LLC | © 2010-