The case for extended nuclear reactor operation

• Published in: JOM (1989) Vol. 61; no. 7; pp. 24 - 27
• Main Authors: Szilard, R., Planchon, P., Busby, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01.07.2009; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aging; Chemistry/Food Science; Construction; Earth Sciences; Electric power; Electricity distribution; Electricity generation; Energy industry; Energy policy; Engineering; Environment; Feasibility; Fossil fuels; Greenhouse gases; Industrial plant emissions; Licenses; Licensing; Materials Issues in Nuclear Reactors; Materials science; Natural gas; Nuclear energy; Nuclear power plants; Nuclear reactors; Opportunity; Overview; Physics; R&D; Renewable resources; Research & development; Solar energy; Studies; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Nuclear Power Plant; Light Water Reactor; Capacity Factor; Energy Information Administration
• ISSN: 1047-4838; 1543-1851
• DOI: 10.1007/s11837-009-0098-3

Greenhouse gas emission is a mounting problem that threatens the future production of electricity from both coal and natural gas. In 2006, 70% of domestic electricity generation relied upon fossil fuels. Projections by the Energy Information Agency 1 show U.S. demand for electricity increasing 30% to 40% by 2030. Today nuclear power is the largest source of non-greenhouse-gas emitting energy generation and will be an important source of energy production in the future. This paper considers potential construction of new plants as well as the long-term prospects of existing nuclear power plants in the United States.