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New Nuclear Plants
Need for New Nuclear Plants
Concerns about rising electricity demand and clean air are among the factors driving interest in new nuclear plants. Nuclear energy is the only electricity source that can generate electricity 24/7 reliably, efficiently and with no greenhouse-gas emissions.
New Nuclear Plant Licensing
The NRC has established an efficient new process for licensing nuclear power plants, giving the public opportunities for early participation and ensuring that safety is foremost throughout the process.
Investment Stimulus in 2005 Energy Policy Act
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 provided investment stimulus for new nuclear plant construction, and a form of federal insurance to protect project developers against delays in commercial operation of a new nuclear plant due to factors beyond the project developer’s control. These factors include regulatory delays and litigation.
State Legislation and Resolutions Supporting New Plants
Information on state and local legislation, resolutions and regulations related to construction of new nuclear plants in the United States.
Additional Information
Nuclear Power 2010: A Key Building Block for New Nuclear Power Plants
This fact sheet details the Nuclear Power 2010 program to encourage the construction of new nuclear power plants by providing cost-sharing to test the new reactor licensing process established by the Energy Policy Act of 2002.
U.S. Needs New Nuclear Plants to Meet Energy Demand, Maintain Supply Diversity
Nuclear power plants produce nearly 20 percent of U.S. electricity and are essential to helping meet growing demand for electricity and preserving the technology diversity that is the strength of the U.S. electric supply system.
New Nuclear Plant Status
This table provides a summary of companies that have announced the intent to submit applications to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for new plant licenses.
Resources and Statistics
Fact sheets, policy briefs and other resources related to new nuclear power plants.Key Data
Highlights
New Nuclear Plant Status
Key Issue: New Nuclear Plants
The U.S. Department of Energy projects that U.S. electricity demand will rise 25 percent by 2030. That means our nation will need hundreds of new power plants to provide electricity for our homes and continued economic growth.