Going Nuclear Series: Is Nuclear Energy the Path to Sustainability?

Today's episode is the first in a nine-part series titled Going Nuclear: A Sustainable Solution to Rising Energy Demand. From cybersecurity to domestic uranium production to data centers, we'll dive into how nuclear energy could play a role in shaping a sustainable energy future. 

With global electricity demand surging and a growing push for cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions, nuclear power is making a surprising comeback. But is it the key to securing our energy future, or does it come with too much baggage?  

Read the full article: Going Nuclear: A Sustainable Solution to Rising Energy Demand

About the authors:

• Thomas J. Dougherty
• Dan Joyner
• Lisa Rushton
• Jeffrey S. Whittle

Transcript

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Hello everyone, and welcome to Womble Perspectives. Today's episode is the first in a nine-part series titled Going Nuclear: A Sustainable Solution to Rising Energy Demand. From cybersecurity to domestic uranium production to data centers, we'll dive into how nuclear energy could play a role in shaping a sustainable energy future. 

With global electricity demand surging and a growing push for cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions, nuclear power is making a surprising comeback. But is it the key to securing our energy future, or does it come with too much baggage?  

Stick with me as we explore the evolution of nuclear energy, its current global impact, the latest tech advancements, and what it all means for businesses, governments, and our planet.  

When it comes to meeting rising energy needs, there may be a global shift underway. Beyond the headlines about COP climate talks and sustainability efforts, countries around the world are racing to meet a growing demand for electricity. This surge is driven by increasing electrification in nearly every area of modern life, from the rise of electric vehicles to the tech-fueled expansion of data centers and AI. 

And amid this energy transformation, nuclear power could play a critical role. Today, it generates about 9% of the world’s electricity, offering a reliable source of carbon-free energy. But to fully understand its importance in the present, let’s first take a quick look back at its history.

The journey of nuclear energy began with immense optimism. In 1954, the first grid-connected nuclear plant was launched in Obninsk, Russia, followed by the United States' first commercial plant in Pittsburgh in 1957. At the time, there were lofty predictions about nuclear power's potential, with some even claiming that energy could become "too cheap to meter."

However, the reality of nuclear energy's development was far more complex. High construction costs, strict regulatory requirements, and public fear stemming from major nuclear incidents like Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima significantly slowed its progress. By 2005, the number of operational nuclear reactors worldwide had peaked and some countries, such as Germany, began shifting their focus to decommissioning existing reactors. 

Despite these challenges, nuclear energy remains a key focus for some nations. China has aggressively expanded its nuclear capabilities, increasing its capacity by 60% over the past decade. France, a long-time supporter of nuclear energy, continues to rely heavily on it, drawing nearly 70% of its electricity from reactors. While Germany closed the last of its nuclear power plants in 2023 and the possibility of new nuclear power in Germany remains in question, the country recently dropped its opposition to nuclear power being considered “sustainable” in the European Union. 

Currently, there are 440 nuclear reactors operating worldwide, generating approximately 400 GW of electricity. While the future of nuclear energy remains uncertain in some regions, its role in the global energy mix cannot be overlooked.

Advancements in nuclear technology have brought us to an exciting new era. Modern reactors, such as Generation III+ and IV models, are built with safety and reliability in mind. These cutting-edge systems feature passive safety mechanisms that reduce reliance on human intervention, making them much safer. Decades of operational experience have been poured into these designs, resulting in reactors that are more efficient and dependable than ever before.

Another significant innovation in the field is the rise of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and microreactors. These compact, scalable systems promise to revolutionize the way nuclear energy is deployed. SMRs and microreactors offer flexible energy solutions for remote areas, industrial applications, and even military bases. Think of this shift as the nuclear equivalent of transforming bulky mainframe computers into portable laptops. With promises of lower costs, faster construction times, and adaptability, these reactors are poised to play a significant role in the future of clean energy.

On a global scale, governments are increasingly supporting nuclear energy through incentive programs, energy-security initiatives, and international partnerships. This renewed focus has opened up export opportunities for established nuclear players, as emerging markets look to invest in reliable energy solutions for their future. The combination of innovative technologies and global policy support signals a promising path forward for nuclear power.

Building next-generation nuclear reactors, however, is no easy task. The regulatory landscape has struggled to keep up with the rapid advancements in technology, creating challenges for innovation. To move forward, modernizing licensing frameworks will be a critical step in ensuring that new technologies can be implemented efficiently and safely.

Another pressing issue is the need to revamp nuclear supply chains. Many existing supply chains have relied heavily on Russian-sourced fuel, a dependency that has proven problematic amid rising geopolitical tensions. This has sparked important conversations around rebuilding local fuel supply chains, as well as increasing domestic mining and enrichment efforts to reduce reliance on external sources.

Lastly, risks such as waste disposal and public opposition remain significant concerns. Addressing these concerns will require proactive solutions, innovative approaches, and clear communication to build trust and understanding among stakeholders and the public.

Innovation and future growth in the nuclear industry hinge on the integration of advanced technologies like AI and modular reactors with strategic planning. This combination is essential for scaling nuclear power's impact and ensuring it remains a key player in the energy sector.

Nuclear power has the potential to do far more than just keep the lights on. Its applications could expand into supporting production of pink hydrogen, which could help further decarbonize various sectors. It could also support remote communities,  and drive industrial processes, and powering new maritime and space systems—all while maintaining low emissions. These advancements demonstrate how nuclear energy can play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges and supporting sustainable development.

The opportunities for nuclear energy are immense and it has the potential to be a central player in the global shift toward sustainability. Currently, over 60 reactors are under construction worldwide, signaling a growing recognition of the economic and energy-security benefits that nuclear power offers. Nations are increasingly looking to nuclear energy as a reliable, clean power source for the future.  

So, are we in the midst of a nuclear revitalization? It certainly looks so. These are the early days of what could become a transformative era for nuclear energy. Through collaboration, technological advancements, and supportive policies, nuclear power has the potential to drive the transition to clean energy and play a pivotal role in addressing the world's energy and environmental challenges.

Nuclear energy isn’t just an option for the present. Its ability to provide consistent, carbon-free power while complementing renewable sources makes it a critical player in achieving global energy goals.  

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