Nuclear energy expansion faces cost and feasibility hurdles

Despite nuclear energy's potential to meet rising U.S. electricity demand, high costs, long timelines and unresolved technical challenges cast doubt on its viability.

Kristi E. Swartz reports for Floodlight.

In short:

• Billions of federal dollars are funding new nuclear plants, but critics worry the costs and time required make the solution impractical.
• The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) leads the push for small modular reactors, but past nuclear projects have consistently run over budget and behind schedule.
• Nuclear advocates argue it's essential to meet growing energy needs, especially with demand spikes from AI and electrification of industry.

Key quote:

“The fundamentals are still not there to support a massive expansion of nuclear energy in a short amount of time frame. It’s just not there … Too many difficult questions are just waved away.”

— Ed Lyman, nuclear power safety director at the Union of Concerned Scientists

Why this matters:

The push for nuclear energy could help decarbonize the U.S. grid, but delays and costs have plagued the industry. Relying on this strategy may risk wasting billions and failing to meet urgent climate goals.