Many people view used fuel as a growing problem and are apprehensive about its transportation, storage, and disposal. Used Fuel Transportation, Storage and Disposal This perception is often based on three global nuclear accidents, its false association with nuclear weapons, and how it is portrayed on popular television shows and films.ĭOE and its national labs are working with industry to develop new reactors and fuels that will increase the overall performance of these technologies and reduce the amount of nuclear waste that is produced.ĭOE also works to provide accurate, fact-based information about nuclear energy through its social media and STEM outreach efforts to educate the public on the benefits of nuclear energy. Challenges of Nuclear EnergyĬommercial nuclear power is sometimes viewed by the general public as a dangerous or unstable process. government works with countries in this capacity to build relationships and develop new opportunities for the nation’s nuclear technologies. The United States must maintain its global leadership in this arena to influence the peaceful use of nuclear technologies. They also contribute billions of dollars annually to local economies through federal and state tax revenues.Ī strong civilian nuclear sector is essential to U.S. nuclear plants can employ up to 700 workers with salaries that are 30% higher than the local average.
The nuclear industry supports nearly half a million jobs in the United States and contributes an estimated $60 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product each year.
The power hour nation full#
In 2019, nuclear plants operated at full power more than 92% of the time, making it the most reliable energy source on the grid today. They are designed to operate for longer stretches and refuel every 1.5 – 2 years. Nuclear power plants run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The thermal energy from nuclear reactors may also be used to decarbonize other energy-intensive sectors such as transportation – the largest contributor to carbon pollution. This avoids more than 470 million metric tons of carbon each year, which is the equivalent of removing 100 million cars off of the road. It generates nearly 800 billion kilowatt hours of electricity each year and produces more than half of the nation’s emissions-free electricity. Nuclear is the largest source of clean power in the United States.
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