Is nuclear the solution to US clean energy?
During #CERAWeek at the "Next-Gen Nuclear: Scaling Clean Energy" event, hosted by Axios and Constellation, industry leaders emphasized the critical role of nuclear power in providing clean, reliable, and affordable energy, despite existing permitting challenges.
Dynamo member, Jeremy Harrell, CEO of ClearPath joined others from
Constellation, CRES, and Columbia University Center on Global Energy Policy. In his remarks, Harrell highlighted the significance of the Accelerating Reliable Capacity (ARC) Act in facilitating first-of-a-kind (#FOAK) nuclear projects. This legislation aims to break the project finance gridlock that often impedes innovative and capital-intensive nuclear ventures.
Harrell recently testified before Congress on the urgent need for permitting reform to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear energy technologies
and lessen project cost burdens. He emphasized that regulatory unpredictability is the biggest barrier to meeting US energy, climate, and economic goals and stressed that while the technology is ready, delays in securing permits threaten large-scale nuclear expansion. Harrell also noted the rising electricity demand and called for predictable, efficient regulatory pathways to ensure the US can more rapidly deploy next-generation reactors to support clean energy growth.
“The need for new sources of reliable and affordable energy is urgent. The technologies are ready, but they will not be built if they cannot secure permits on a predictable, expeditious timeline.”–congressional testimony of Jeremy Harrell, CEO at ClearPath.
The US relies heavily on imported uranium to fuel its nuclear reactors including
Russia. As a result, the nation is actively seeking to diversify its uranium sources and enhance domestic production to mitigate risks associated with foreign dependence. Yet, this is not a simple process, especially with today’s permitting constraints.
Panelists emphasized the need for public-private collaboration to fast-track clean, safe US energy projects, including nuclear, within a sustainable energy portfolio.
What are your thoughts on nuclear expansion in the US?
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