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US extends life of nuclear plants but no new building

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

Significance

The prospects for nuclear plant construction in the United States are dim, with support for the technology primarily focused on extending the lifetime of existing reactors and developing advanced nuclear technologies. Slow electricity demand growth, together with high construction costs, will rule out a resurgence of the nuclear sector.

Impacts

  • The US position in nuclear export markets will shrink further, leaving the field open to Russia, China and South Korea.
  • Greater grid and storage investment will be needed to adapt to the changing generation profiles of plant installed on the US grid.
  • Federal funding for advanced nuclear technologies is likely to continue in order to maintain a US lead in the sector.

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