Nuclear energy's resurgence in US policy spotlight
In Washington, a revitalized push for nuclear energy is gaining bipartisan support, offering a fresh direction for an industry plagued by past setbacks.
James Bikales and Catherine Morehouse report for Politico.
In short:
- New legislation and Biden administration policies are breathing life into the nuclear power sector, marking a significant shift toward embracing it as a key carbon-free energy source.
- Billions of dollars are being funneled into advancing nuclear technology and domestic uranium production, indicating strong bipartisan agreement on its importance for America's energy future.
- Regulatory changes aim to streamline the licensing process for advanced reactors, promising to expedite the development of cleaner, more efficient nuclear energy.
Key quote:
"There’s a feeling of optimism within the industry, that things are finally lining up."
— Lesley Jantarasami, managing director of the energy program at the Bipartisan Policy Center
Why this matters:
Advocates argue that nuclear energy can provide a reliable, steady supply of electricity, unlike some renewable sources such as wind and solar, which are intermittent and depend on weather conditions. This reliability makes nuclear a potentially critical player in achieving a balanced, sustainable energy mix capable of meeting global energy demands while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
What a difference six years makes: “Far from the fire and fury of headline-grabbing Trump dramas, the apparent slow death of nuclear power plays on.”
