As extreme weather events intensify concerns for public health, wildlife and the environment, along with food insecurity and availability of water, we are reminded of how the climate crisis is impacting our daily lives. The good news is that through collective actions led by individuals, businesses, and governments, we can build a sustainable future.
Such actions include conversations around how to build a clean energy future with the most reliable and innovative technologies. But building this future depends on the choices we make today which will far-impact generations to come.
So, what can we do today? We can choose nuclear energy as the foundation of our clean energy future.
The Nuclear Energy Institute launched its new “Generation” advertising campaign showing how nuclear energy is the choice to build a better tomorrow for future generations. Generation will elevate the nuclear brand beyond D.C. and onto screens across the country—illustrating a future that is possible through nuclear energy.
Following the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, nuclear energy has risen in visibility and public support. In fact, a recent Gallup poll put support for nuclear energy at the highest in a decade. Building on this momentum, NEI is bringing the Generation campaign to people motivated to explore solutions that will address our climate crisis and energy needs.
What does choosing nuclear energy mean for future generations?
Mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Nuclear energy is the single largest source of clean energy. Nuclear power saves our planet from more than 470 million metric tons of carbon emissions that would otherwise come from fossil fuels. That’s the same as taking nearly 100 million passenger vehicles off the road. Nuclear facilities produce clean energy 24/7, 365 days of the year, rain or shine. This means producing clean energy that will keep power running during severe storms and homes warm during blizzards.
Economic growth through clean energy jobs.
Jobs in the energy sector grew substantially in recent years, thanks to new opportunities in clean energy. The nuclear industry already employs 475,000 people both directly and indirectly. With growing demand for clean energy, constructing new nuclear plants of the future has the potential to support hundreds of thousands of additional long-term, good-paying jobs that will bolster local economies. A recent report by the Department of Energy estimates that building and maintaining nuclear expansion will require an increase of approximately 375,000 clean energy jobs.
Protecting the environment and improving public health.
Choosing nuclear means preserving land for other things like agriculture and conservation efforts. A nuclear facility generates more electricity on less land than other clean energy sources—specifically, 31 times less than solar facilities and 173 times less than wind farms. It also helps conserve natural resources and reduce extensive operations because nuclear power produces a significant amount of energy from a relatively small amount of fuel.
Also, nuclear energy does not release pollutants associated with respiratory illnesses and air pollution, keeping the air clean—this is especially critical for those with underlying health issues and older populations.
Energy independence.
Nuclear increases our energy independence by providing a steady, secure supply here at home. Demand for nuclear energy also means the U.S. can reduce reliance on energy imports.
It’s Only Getting Better
The Generation campaign underscores the value of nuclear energy over the decades to reliably provide clean power 24/7/365. And it’s only getting better as demand grows for next-generation nuclear technologies.
Reports from McKinsey and the Department of Energy have predicted potential nuclear capacity to triple by 2050. This mirrors actions by policymakers in D.C. and local communities to open doors and bring new opportunities for next-generation nuclear plants. As the campaign emphasizes, new technologies will make nuclear more affordable and easier to build, making our clean energy future possible.
It’s time to choose a future built for the next generation. It’s time to choose nuclear energy.
Be on the lookout for #Generation on Facebook, Instagram, and other streaming platforms.
