Momentum Grows for Expanding Global Nuclear Capacity

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There is growing support for a dramatic expansion of nuclear capacity across the globe from huge power users such as Google, Amazon, Meta, Occidental, and Dow.  These and other companies have banded together to form the Large Energy Users Pledge.  The overall goal of the supporters is a whopping 300% increase in global nuclear capacity by 2050.  But why them and why now?

Reasons for the Global Nuclear Capacity Expansion Push

The coalition is facilitated by the World Nuclear Association (WNA) via its New Zero Initiative which promotes nuclear power as a solution for achieving net-zero emissions because it is secure, reliable, cost effective, clean, and weather independent.  In total, the coalition wants global nuclear capacity to increase from 377 GW to 1,131 GW in 25 years

Key elements of the Pledge include the provision of equitable financial access for nuclear projects, a commitment from the government to encourage nuclear development, and more corporate participation in efforts to spur expansion.

The large energy users supporting the effort are doing so because they anticipate eventually being required to utilize more clean energy sources, and they believe that nuclear power is a more affordable option than other types of clean energy.  In addition, the ongoing electrification of the world, including the expected boom in data centers, could result in a supply squeeze that could potentially be relieved with nuclear power.

Although the 300% increase is a lofty goal, it is more feasible than it might appear on the surface because we’re not talking about traditional nuclear reactors in all cases.  Much of the additional capacity will likely come from small modular reactors (SMRs) and other advanced nuclear technologies which can be developed at a much lower cost.

I’m not sure if tripling the world’s global nuclear capacity is feasible or even advisable, but we’ll see what happens.  While the end result remains to be seen, my guess is that this push will gain some traction simply because of the behemoth companies pulling the cart.