Demand Growth and Carbon Targets Prompt New Interest in Nuclear

James Downing | Source: RTO Insider | Posted 05/03/2025

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Past talk about a nuclear renaissance has mostly produced aborted projects, but with demand growing and some of the industry still focused on climate change, utilities are again considering the resource for their long-term plans.

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The renewed interest in nuclear energy is driven by increasing demand and the need to meet carbon reduction targets. After years of stalled projects, utilities like Duke Energy are revisiting nuclear as a viable option for long-term energy plans. Duke has outlined potential expansions, including a site for advanced nuclear deployment in North Carolina, although major investments are still contingent on addressing safety, cost, and regulatory concerns.

Despite the high costs associated with recent projects like Plant Vogtle, experts believe that the future of nuclear energy could hinge on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), which promise to reduce costs through factory production. While the industry may take decades to ramp up to significant nuclear installations, the combination of growing energy demand and climate policies could create a more favorable environment for nuclear energy in the future, potentially leading to its resurgence as a key player in the clean energy landscape.

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Demand Growth and Carbon Targets Prompt New Interest in Nuclear

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