The U.S. nuclear energy movement is being strangled by red tape and regulation. Although we have 93 nuclear reactors operating at 54 nuclear power plants, there are currently only two new nuclear reactors that have been in the works lately, Vogtle Units 3 and 4 in Georgia. The first just came online and the second will soon follow. By way of contrast, many countries are committed to significant growth in this field. I asked Google for details on some of these countries currently experiencing the fastest adoption of nuclear power, and one that has fled in the other direction.
Here is what I learned.
China is one of the world's largest consumers of nuclear power and has been rapidly expanding its nuclear energy capacity in recent years. As of last year China had 55 nuclear power plants in operation, with 22 more under construction, and more than 70 others planned.
Russia has long been a major player in the nuclear energy sector and despite its Chernoble setback, Russia continues to invest in the expansion and modernization of its nuclear power infrastructure. The Russian government sees nuclear power as a key component of its energy strategy and exports nuclear technology to other countries. They currently have 37 operable nuclear reactors with a combined capacity of 27.7 GWe. These reactors are located at 11 nuclear power sites, including a floating plant in Pevek. Russia's nuclear plants generate more than 19% of the country's electricity.
India has ambitious plans to expand its nuclear energy capacity to meet growing energy demand and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. As of February 2023, India had 22 nuclear power plants in operation, with a combined capacity of 6,780 megawatts electric (MWe). India plans to add 18 more nuclear power reactors with a capacity of 13,800 MWe by 2031-32.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a significant player in the nuclear energy sector, with the construction of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, which became operational in 2020. Thought the UAE government views nuclear power as a crucial component of its energy diversification strategy they currently have only three reactors.
South Korea, as of July 2023, has eight active nuclear plants. The government has proposed adding six more nuclear plants by 2036, and plans to increase nuclear generating capacity to 31.7 gigawatts (GW) by 2036. South Korea also plans to export 10 nuclear power plants by 2030.
France, as of January 10, 2023, had 56 active nuclear reactors, with 12 of them off the grid. In 2022, France announced plans to build six new reactors, and in November 2023, President Emmanuel Macron said France could build eight new nuclear plants by the end of 2026. France's nuclear power plants account for about 70% of the country's electricity needs.
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The U.S., on the other hand, seems stymied by numerous handicaps. In 1994 Minnesota passed a moratorium on building nuclear power plants. Even if this were lifted, the turnaround time to get a new reactor online will take ages, it seems. At least we're not going the route of Germany.
Germany at one time had nine active nuclear facilities, including six research reactors and three nuclear fuel cycle facilities. In November 2022, the Bundestag passed an amendment to the Atomic Energy Act to keep the remaining three nuclear power plants in operation for a limited time. On April 15, 2023, the three remaining nuclear power plants shut down, marking the end of Germany's nuclear era.
Those countries actively investing in the expansion and adoption of nuclear power to meet energy demand, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance energy security are to be commended. The world we live in requires energy. Not only are we dependent on energy, we're dependent on cheap energy.
Of all these things much more can be said.
Related Links
Interview with David Watson: Putting Nuclear Power in Perspective
Grid Fragility and a Book by Meredith Angwin
Small Reactors, Big Potential Impact
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