Granholm Calls for More Nuclear Reactors Despite Costly Vogtle Project
In a bold push for increased nuclear power generation, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm has called for the construction of 98 more nuclear reactors in the United States that have the capacity to produce electricity while reducing carbon emissions. Granholm made these remarks in Waynesboro, Georgia, where Georgia Power Co. and three other utilities recently completed the first two scratch-built American reactors in a generation at the cost of nearly $35 billion.
These new reactors, located at Plant Vogtle, have the capacity to power 500,000 homes and businesses each without emitting any carbon, making them crucial in the fight against climate change. Granholm emphasized the need for the United States to triple its current nuclear capacity to reach the goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
Despite the success of the Vogtle reactors, the CEO of Southern Co., the parent company of Georgia Power, hinted that the utilities are not ready to build more reactors in the near future. Chris Womack noted that while he supports Granholm’s call for increased nuclear power generation, the federal government should play a leadership role in facilitating the construction of more reactors.
The recent celebrations surrounding the completion of the Vogtle reactors have been met with enthusiasm, with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp even suggesting the possibility of a fifth reactor at the site. While the reactors have been deemed a success, they faced significant challenges throughout their construction, with cost overruns totaling $11 billion.
Despite the high costs associated with nuclear power plants, the federal government has provided support to Vogtle through loan guarantees, reducing borrowing costs for the utilities involved. President Joe Biden’s administration has also pledged to promote nuclear power by creating a working group to address the challenges faced by projects like Vogtle.
Granholm, drawing on her experience as a former governor of Michigan, highlighted the potential for cost reductions in future nuclear plants by learning from the design and construction processes of the Vogtle reactors. The administration also expressed support for smaller nuclear reactors, which could replace aging coal-fueled plants and drive down costs for consumers.
Critics of nuclear power point to the absence of a permanent repository for nuclear waste and question the feasibility of building smaller reactors more affordably. However, supporters argue that nuclear power is essential in the transition to cleaner energy sources, particularly as electric vehicles become more prevalent and demand for carbon-free electricity grows.
As electric customers in Georgia prepare to shoulder the costs of the Vogtle reactors, regulators have approved rate increases to cover remaining construction expenses. Despite the financial challenges, the completion of the Vogtle reactors represents a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to expand nuclear power generation and combat climate change.
U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm recently called for more nuclear reactors to be built in the United States and worldwide to help reduce carbon emissions and produce electricity. However, the CEO of the Georgia utility that recently finished two new nuclear reactors, costing nearly $35 billion, expressed that his company is not ready to undertake such a task.
The new reactors at Plant Vogtle in Georgia are seen as a success, although they were completed seven years behind schedule. Granholm emphasized the need for more nuclear reactors to reach net zero emissions by 2050, but the CEO of Southern Co., the parent company of Georgia Power, stated that the company won’t be building more reactors anytime soon.
President Joe Biden’s administration has also expressed support for nuclear power, highlighting the benefits of nuclear energy in driving down costs and reducing carbon emissions. However, critics raise concerns over the high cost of building nuclear reactors and the lack of a permanent repository for nuclear waste in the U.S.
Overall, the completion of the new reactors at Plant Vogtle in Georgia and the ongoing discussions around nuclear energy highlight a larger trend towards exploring alternative energy sources to address climate change and energy needs.