Key Issues
New Nuclear Plants Create Opportunities for Expanding US Manufacturing
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August 2008
Key Facts
August 2008
Key Facts
- The energy industry is pursuing plans to build 26 new nuclear power plants to meet projected increases in U.S. electricity demand. However, the domestic infrastructure for building new nuclear plants has diminished because few plants have been built outside of Asia. As a result, the industry may face difficulties obtaining components necessary to build new nuclear plants, as well as experienced construction management, engineering personnel and skilled workers.
- The industry anticipates that construction may begin on the first wave of new reactors in the United States in 2010 and 30 overseas during the next six years, creating a dramatic increase in demand for components and personnel.
- A Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) study identified potential manufacturing constraints that could hinder the construction of nuclear power plants after the first four to eight new reactors are built: component design and engineering, supply of raw materials and subcomponents, work force, qualified suppliers of nuclear plant components, specialized equipment and machinery and global infrastructure for heavy forgings. The study provides recommendations to minimize these potential constraints on new-plant construction.