U.S. utilities driving for a license

• Published in: Power 2005-11, Vol.149 (9), p.36-44
• Main Author: PELTIER, Robert
• Format: Magazinearticle
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Coal-fired power plants; Consortia; Construction; Electric utilities; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Fission nuclear power plants; Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; Licenses; Licensing; Nuclear power plants; Nuclear reactors; Regulation; Schedules; Tax credits; Trends
• ISSN: 0032-5929; 1936-7791

Five years ago, no self-respecting American utility executive would have dared to even think out loud about building a new nuclear power plant. Today, with the US fleet sporting a nearly flawless safety record and a 90% average capacity factor, and with global warming a growing concern, nearly a dozen utilities are on record as seriously considering adding nuclear generation. The question is no longer if - but when - the next US nuclear plant will be built. US nuclear power plants continue to set industry and unit performance records. Timing - it is said - is everything, and that certainly seems to be the case for US nuclear plant development these days. Using the last decade's tremendous management and performance records as a springboard, and with an assist from the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct), the future for more nuclear development is set. The time to begin building - or at least planning to build - the next generation of American nuclear plants has arrived.