Key Issues
New Nuclear Plants Create Opportunities for Expanding US Manufacturing
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New Plants Will Require Increased Infrastructure
The U.S. Department of Energy predicts significant increases in demand for electricity production—21 percent by 2030. Few power plants that provide baseload generation have been built in the last 20 years. As a result, energy companies are exploring options for new baseload electricity generation, including new nuclear power plants.
Companies have submitted 17 license applications to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for 26 new reactors. A 2005 DOE report concluded that the necessary manufacturing capacity is available or can be readily available to support the construction and commissioning of up to eight reactors between 2010 and 2017. However, companies may begin construction on as many as 17 new plants in the United States over the next six years, according to industry estimates.
One of the steps the industry is taking toward new-plant construction is developing the supply chain for building new plants. This will ensure critical components are available for multiple projects.
1 “NP2010 Nuclear Power Plant Construction Infrastructure Assessment,” Department of Energy, October 2005.
New Plants Will Require Increased Infrastructure
The U.S. Department of Energy predicts significant increases in demand for electricity production—21 percent by 2030. Few power plants that provide baseload generation have been built in the last 20 years. As a result, energy companies are exploring options for new baseload electricity generation, including new nuclear power plants.
Companies have submitted 17 license applications to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for 26 new reactors. A 2005 DOE report concluded that the necessary manufacturing capacity is available or can be readily available to support the construction and commissioning of up to eight reactors between 2010 and 2017. However, companies may begin construction on as many as 17 new plants in the United States over the next six years, according to industry estimates.
One of the steps the industry is taking toward new-plant construction is developing the supply chain for building new plants. This will ensure critical components are available for multiple projects.
1 “NP2010 Nuclear Power Plant Construction Infrastructure Assessment,” Department of Energy, October 2005.
