EPRI endorses nuclear to cut US emissions

21 February 2007

[EPRI, 15 February] The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has conducted an assessment of technologies that have the potential for significantly reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the US electric power sector within the next 25-30 years. Among the seven specific technologies endorsed by EPRI is the use of nuclear energy. EPRI recommends the continued "safe and economic" operation of all existing nuclear generating plants, plus a substantial expansion, to include new advanced light-water reactors. A viable strategy for managing the country's used nuclear fuel would also be needed. The organization sees the need for 64 GWe of new nuclear generating capacity in the USA by 2030, with nuclear then representing some 25.5% of total electricity generation. EPRI noted that no one technology is a "silver bullet" and that "a portfolio of technologies will be needed." Steve Specker, President and CEO of EPRI, said "this analysis indicates that over the coming decades it is potentially feasible for the US electric sector to first slow down the projected increase in CO2 emissions, stop the increase, and then decrease emissions while meeting an ever increasing demand for reliable and affordable electricity."

Further information

Electric Power Research Institute

WNA's Energy Balances and CO2 Implications information paper
WNA's US Nuclear Power Industry information paper

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