The U.S. is planning to restart Three Mile Island, a move that is seen as a step forward for nuclear power. However, to keep up with rising electricity demand and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the U.S. needs to triple its nuclear fleet. This would require adding 200 gigawatts of nuclear power, equivalent to building 200 new plants. Financial institutions and global coalitions have endorsed this goal for the U.S. to achieve by 2050.
Restarting reactors like Three Mile Island is important, but it will only provide a small fraction of the nuclear power needed. Expanding operational nuclear plants and building at retired coal sites could create space for up to 269 gigawatts of additional nuclear power. The cost reduction and availability of experienced personnel at coal sites make them attractive options for building new nuclear plants.
While small advanced reactors are still years away from commercialization, larger reactors are being considered to meet the rising electricity demand from data centers, manufacturing, and the electrification of the economy. Maintaining the existing nuclear fleet is crucial, with economic support and recognition for nuclear’s carbon-free attributes shifting the economics in favor of nuclear power.
The restart of Three Mile Island and the potential restart of other plants like Palisades in Michigan are subject to regulatory approval, but are likely to receive the green light if safety cases are presented. Finding additional plants to restart may be challenging, as many have already started the deconstruction process for decommissioning.
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