THE NUCLEAR RENAISSANCE IN THE UNITED STATES

1
THE NUCLEAR RENAISSANCE IN THE UNITED STATES

• Richard A. Meserve
• Carnegie Institution
• 1530 P St., NW
• Washington, DC 2005
• 202-387-6404

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Share of Total US Electricity Generation by Fuel
(2003)
Source EIA
3
U.S. Electricity Demand 2003-2025(bkWh)
Electricity demand will increase by a total of
50 between 2003 and 2025, at a rate of 1.8 per
year.
Source EIAs 2005 Annual Energy Outlook
4
Nuclear Capacity with and without License
Renewal(2005-2050)
Source Platts POWERdat
5
Reasons for Encouraging New Nuclear Construction

• Environmental Protection
• Energy Security

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Essential Preconditions

• Adequate protection of public health and safety.
• Continued focus on and assurance of security

7
Principal Challenges

• Cost-competitiveness
• Legal Uncertainty
• Spent Fuel Issues
• Infrastructure
• Non-Proliferation Concerns

8
Conclusions

• US is on the edge of a nuclear renaissance.
• The barriers to new construction can be overcome.