The Benefits of Nuclear Energy - Key Points of Interest

Nuclear Power Industry

Nuclear energy matters. It plays a vital role in meeting our nation’s electricity needs, powering local economies, protecting the environment, preserving fuel and technology diversity, ensuring our nation’s security and ability to compete globally, and enhancing the nuclear science, technology, and medical fields. Our country’s nuclear plants produce clean electricity 24 hours a day, seven days a week with zero carbon emissions and bring important diversity to our nation’s fuel mix. We must promote the benefits of nuclear technology to support existing facilities and implement policies that support building new nuclear energy technology.

Talking about nuclear energy’s contributions to our electricity supply can help others learn where their power comes from and why it is important to protect this valuable resource. Nuclear plants are essential to ensuring a reliable energy supply and meeting our growing electricity demands. For these reasons, our nation’s energy and environmental policies must ensure that the attributes that nuclear energy brings to the table are protected, properly understood and valued.

Jobs and the economy are a great starting point for highlighting the key benefits of nuclear energy, and something everyone can relate to on a personal level. Nuclear plants are important economic engines for both our country and in the communities where they operate, creating hundreds of well-paying jobs and supporting local economies and infrastructure. Environmental advocates are some of the most passionate supporters of nuclear energy. Thanks to its carbonfree properties, nuclear energy is a highly environmentally friendly energy source, but many people are unfamiliar with these benefits. Nuclear energy plays an essential role in creating clean energy for our country. As the largest single source of emission-free energy in the U.S., maintaining and expanding nuclear energy’s role will be key to helping preserve our climate and realizing a clean energy future.

Countering a lack of public awareness about the overwhelming safety of America’s nuclear energy industry is critical to successful nuclear advocacy. Many people are oblivious to the processes and regulations put in place to protect community members, plant employees and the environment. Nuclear energy facilities are among the safest industrial facilities in the world, thanks to highly-trained personnel, stringent federal regulations, multiple automated safety systems and extensive security operations.

Nuclear energy innovation is exciting and inspirational. Focusing on the next generation of nuclear technology and opportunity makes people feel eager and engaged.
Innovation is driving the nuclear industry forward and laying the groundwork for the next generation of nuclear technology. With the support of policymakers and regulators, we can ensure the future of nuclear energy is less expensive, more efficient and even safer....in the for of SMRs.

Once potential supporters begin to understand the true safety and security of our nation’s nuclear energy facilities, they’re more likely to be receptive of other key messages.
Nuclear energy is vital to both our national security and our nation’s energy security. To maintain U.S. global influence and protect homeland infrastructure, America’s nuclear energy industry must be maintained and remain competitive with other nations. Nuclear energy plays a critical role in keeping the United States safe. Energy independence is a key piece of our country’s national security, and a strong nuclear fleet plays a significant part in an energy independent future by making us less vulnerable to international energy shocks outside our control.

A diverse national energy supply portfolio or “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that includes nuclear not only makes the U.S. more secure from foreign influences, but it also saves consumers an average of 6% on their electricity bills annually. It is important to recognize that the domestic nuclear industry can best maintain a leadership role in global nuclear technology development and contribute to worldwide safety enhancements by designing and building new nuclear plants and continuing development programs of all types.

The entire economy – as well as our defense and national security operations – depends on the uninterrupted availability of affordable energy sources. As a source that operates constantly regardless of weather, nuclear energy is critical to maintaining our reliable electricity supply and greatly limits the possibility of energy brownouts or blackouts.