Rita Baranwal, assistant secretary for nuclear energy, told the energy subcommittee in testimony on 3 March that the unique nature of nuclear technology creates a national strategic imperative to maintain US leadership in nuclear energy and “enhance US influence by being competitive in global nuclear energy markets”.
“Sustaining the current fleet of operating nuclear power plants is a priority for the nation,” Ms Baranwal said.
“Without a robust nuclear industry, we will not be able to maintain the current contributions to clean electricity generation, nor maintain the associated US-based supply chains, nor maintain the fuel cycle infrastructure necessary for a vibrant civilian nuclear industry and strong national security.”
She said nuclear infrastructure is also essential for the introduction and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. “If we do not stop the downward trajectory of our existing fleet now, it may be too late to recover and realise the benefits of nuclear technologies in the future.”
Ms Baranwal told the committee that since 2013, nine reactors have retired prematurely and eight more are scheduled to retire as a result of historically low natural gas prices, and flat or declining demand.
While premature retirements have generally been driven by market conditions, in other instances, state policies contribute to the retirement of plants, such as in California (Diablo Canyon), New York (Indian Point), and New Jersey (Oyster Creek).
An additional nine reactors were scheduled to retire prematurely, but those decisions were reversed as a result of state action in New York, Illinois, and Ohio to value the clean energy benefits of those plants.
New Jersey and Connecticut have also taken similar steps to ensure the continued operation of their nuclear power plants. “It will be incredibly harmful to US energy security, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability if this shutdown trend were to grow,” Ms Baranwal said.