Benefits of
Nuclear Energy
Benefits of Nuclear Energy
From always-on reliability and dispatchable flexibility to carbon-free generation with a small land footprint, civil nuclear energy strengthens energy security and independence while anchoring local economies with high-paying, long-lasting jobs.
Explore the benefits below.
o Nuclear energy is by far the most reliable energy source.
o The nation's current suite of nuclear plants produces power more than 92% of the time—around the clock, rain or shine.
o To put that in perspective, the next most reliable source is geothermal, which produces energy 65% of the time.
o A reliable, baseload source of electricity is essential to the functionality of the electrical grid.
o Dispatchable energy resources are power sources that can adjust their output to match changes in demand across the grid.
o Nuclear energy can help address energy supply disruptions and price fluctuations by generating abundant, dispatchable electricity to the grid.
o Advanced reactor designs can adjust their output rapidly, allowing them to operate more flexibly without compromising reliability.
o Nuclear plants generate electricity without emitting carbon or other air pollutants.
o Nuclear plants generate nearly half of the emissions-free electricity in the U.S., making nuclear the single largest source of clean energy.
o While existing nuclear reactors have a small physical footprint, small modular reactors (SMRs) will be a fraction of the size.
o As a result, SMRs can be sited in locations not suitable for larger nuclear reactors/nuclear power plants.
o The smaller the physical footprint of an energy resource, the more land is available for other uses.
o A strong nuclear industry enhances the energy security of the United States.
o Nuclear energy is homegrown energy and has delivered reliable, secure electricity to communities across the country for the last 70 years.
o The United States developed this technology and has long set the global standard for nuclear energy safety and regulation.
o Our use of nuclear energy in the U.S. protects us against foreign influence and global energy price fluctuations.
o Advanced nuclear technologies offer local communities stable, high-paying jobs.
o Plant operations also spur hundreds of additional jobs in the local community, through added revenue and household spending, as well as to support ancillary services for the plant.
o Nuclear reactors can operate for 80 years or more, so the plants can employ local workers for multiple generations.
o Nuclear plants require employees with a range of skills and educational backgrounds. Employees come from trade schools, community colleges and universities as well as from other energy fields.