U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm has called for the construction of “hundreds” of new large nuclear reactors by 2050. Speaking at the recently operational Vogtle 3 and 4 reactors, Granholm underscored the necessity of expanding America’s nuclear infrastructure to meet future energy demands and achieve climate goals.
“We need two hundred of these by 2050. Two down, one hundred and ninety-eight to go,” Granholm stated, emphasizing the scale of the challenge and the urgency of the timeline. Her remarks signal a growing consensus across political lines about the role of nuclear power in transitioning to a clean energy future.
The Vogtle nuclear plant, located in Georgia, recently saw the completion of its third and fourth reactors, marking a significant milestone in U.S. nuclear energy development. These reactors are expected to provide reliable, carbon-free electricity to millions of households, contributing to the broader goal of a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.
Granholm’s advocacy for nuclear energy aligns with the Biden administration’s broader clean energy agenda, which includes ambitious targets for both nuclear fission and fusion technologies. As part of these efforts, the administration is hosting a White House Summit on Domestic Nuclear Deployment, emphasizing the critical role of nuclear power in achieving a carbon-free electricity sector by 2035.
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The Department of Energy has also announced plans to establish a commercial nuclear fusion facility within the next decade, positioning fusion as a key component of America’s long-term energy strategy.
The push for nuclear energy is also evident in the recent decision to re-open the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Michigan. With a conditional loan of up to $1.52 billion from the Department of Energy, the plant is set to become the first successfully restarted nuclear power plant in U.S. history, ensuring clean power for 800,000 homes and preserving hundreds of union jobs.
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