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The DOE recently released a report outlining a pathway for the US to meet recent pledges of tripling of domestic nuclear capacity by 2050. Nuclear needs to play a role in a clean energy economy, but the industry may be fooling itself in thinking that learning curve cost decreases will help to make these advanced nuclear reactors more economically viable.
In this episode, Paul discusses the challenges facing the nuclear industry in reducing costs, including the need to customize between facilities, the challenge in translating workforce experience across construction firms, and the ongoing costs associated with the high regulatory hurdles associated with this technology.
How can the US support new nuclear, but in a way that ensures affordability for the energy transition?
For more research:
"Pathways to Commercial Liftoff: Advanced Nuclear" - Department of Energy
"To meet US nuclear goals, big reactors need to get built today, DOE says" - Canary Media
"Historical construction costs of global nuclear power reactors" - Jessica Lovering, et al. (2016)
"The economics of nuclear power: Further evidence on learning, economies of scale, and regulatory effects" - Cantor, et al. (1988)
"EDF’s UK Hinkley Nuclear Costs Balloon as Plant Delayed Anew" - Bloomberg
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