US Needs 45 Nuclear Reactors to Lower Emissions

According to a new report, a large number of new nuclear reactors and significant power use reductions are needed in the United States if it is to achieve 2030 emission cut targets specified by US Congress. 

The report specifies that 45 new nuclear reactors need to be constructed, and average power use needs to be reduced eight per cent.  It also calls for an influx of 100 million electric vehicles to hit US roads, and for CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) technologies to be fitted to around 18 per cent of existing fossil fuel burning sites as a means of lowering CO2 emissions.
 
The study was issued by the Electric Power Research Institute, member organisations of which are responsible for creating in excess of 90 per cent of the United States’ total power. 

US CO2 Emissions

Two months ago, the US House of Representatives gave its approval to measures designed to lower overall US CO2 emissions to 42 per cent below where they were at in 2005.  This target is meant to have been achieved by 2030, while there is also an 80 per cent target for the year 2050.  The US Senate, however, has not yet voted on these measures.

On the subject of costs, the Electric Power Research Institute report - which followed an earlier 2007 study - writes:  “The analysis confirms that while the cost of implementing major CO2 emissions reductions is significant, development and deployment of a full portfolio of technologies will reduce the cost to the U.S. economy by more than $1 trillion.”

Renewable Nuclear Power

The report’s call for more renewable nuclear power exceeds previous forecasts by up to 500 per cent.  At present, the US’ total reactor inventory numbers little over 100, of which the most recent began operations in 1996.

The report also predicts that by 2030, electricity from renewable energy sources like (hydro, wind and solar) will be making up 15 per cent of all US electricity.  This is based on an overall capacity of 135,000 MW (Megawatts) - over double the 60,000 MW capacity anticipated by the Obama administration at present.